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MotoGP: Preview of The Red Bull Grand Prix of San Marino

Mathilde Gasnier
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MotoGP: Preview of The Red Bull Grand Prix of San Marino

Defeated for the first time in eight weekends, there’s no title on the line this time out. But it’s getting ever closer for Marc Marquez.

It was within just 1.7 seconds of his reach, but Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) will have to wait at least another Grand Prix to have a chance at completing his history-making comeback and win a seventh MotoGP crown. After seven weekends of glory in a row for the #93, it was instead Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) who came out swinging in Barcelona and took his second Grand Prix win of the season – a redemptive ride after crashing out the lead in the Tissot Sprint. Now, both arrive in Misano on two very different missions.

NO TITLE AT MISANO: the wait for the comeback rolls on

There may be no match point for Marc Marquez but there’s plenty of pride to uphold with it being the second home-round for Ducati. The #93 has five wins here, the most on the grid, although it isn’t one of his most emblematic venues. He also knows he can set up that Championship point for Japan – the easiest way is a seemingly foregone P7 or better in the Sprint. Meanwhile, Alex Marquez has never won back-to-back Grands Prix in MotoGP but with it also being his Gresini squad’s home event, the #73 can’t be written off. Still, they are far from the only home team on the grid – and there’s an armada of motivated Italian riders too.

P3 FIGHT: Bagnaia and Aprilia reload

On the rostrum in every San Marino GP since 2020 – when he took his first MotoGP podium – Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) endured a tough Catalan GP weekend before staging a notable comeback from P21 to P7 on Sunday. He was starting to feel the heat with Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) closing him down too, but Bez’s Barcelona struggles means that it’s now 40 points that split the duo. Just as both race on home turf, so do their factories – and Aprilia would enjoy nothing more than claiming Misano for themselves. Jorge Martin, on the other side of the Aprilia box, returns to where he tested before he returned from injury back in July too, with more and more kilometers on the clock as he looks to get back in the fight at the front.

KTM ON A ROLL: taking the fight to Ducati

Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3) led orange charge in Barcelona, and that’s not even one of his best venues – so the ‘Beast’ will be in the spotlight at Misano. Here, he’s both won in MotoGP and taken some incredibly memorable podiums, from his first ever rostrum finish to his street-fighting 2024 charge past Martin to the podium.Likewise continuing to make progress even if Barcelona wasn’t the home podium he was gunning for is Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing). He was fast but he was also beaten by Bastianini – what better way to return the favour than aiming to reverse that on the #23’s home turf.

Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) was also in good form to challenge for the top five in Barcelona, part of that stunning three-rider battle – so close it almost looked like a display run. Meanwhile, Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech3) continues to recover from his shoulder injury, adding the kilometers and likely encouraged by the form shown by the trio able to push at the front last time out.

PODIUM CONTENDERS: high targets and seeking redemption

P3 in the Barcelona Sprint was followed up with fifth on Sunday for Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP). Now, the Frenchman returns to the scene of his 2021 MotoGP title and one of his first big standout performances from his rookie year. Three P7s and a P9 from last year’s Grands Prix and Sprints – and fresh from a first test with Yamaha’s V4 in a private outing in Barcelona – ‘El Diablo’ is in form and the Iwata factory have that here too. That very V4 will also wildcard this weekend in the hands of test rider Augusto Fernandez.

Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) had a Catalan GP to forget but this is both his and the team’s home round. He’s tied with teammate Fabio Di Giannantonio and it’s a big weekend for both. Morbidelli took a Sprint podium at Misano last year and a first win here in 2020, whereas ‘Diggia’ took a Sprint P3 in Barcelona but has never had a top eight at Misano. Don’t discount Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) from a rostrum challenge either, despite a tricky last two rounds.

CHASING TOP 10s: battles aplenty through the pack

Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) was disappointed after his fall from fifth on Sunday last weekend and will want more, whereas Luca Marini(Honda HRC Castrol) took eighth last weekend as his uptick in impressive performances continues. His teammate Joan Mir struggled had a tougher one after having been the standout a couple of races ago, and Mir’s best Sunday result in 2024 was taken here. Meanwhile, returning to the top ten for the first time since Mugello was Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) and Misano is the scene of his last Moto2™ win last year. Teammate Raul Fernandez is without a top ten since Austria but a best Misano result of P8 in 2023 spurs him on.

P9 and a best result of 2025 last time out for Miguel Oliveira (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) is something he’ll want to build from, whereas teammate Jack Miller hopes for a top ten for the first time since Brno. After a first DNF of 2025, Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) seeks to bounce back at the San Marino GP. Welcomed back after injury, Somkiat Chantra (IDEMITSU Honda LCR) gets ready for a new challenge at Misano too.

Home turf for many, enemy territory for others, and even a balance of the two for some on the grid, Misano brings with it a sense of unpredictability year after year. In the area where so many young Italians get their first taste of motorcycling and the first dreams of becoming Champion, what lies ahead at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli? It’s either a match point in Japan or a huge twist in the tale on the horizon – so tune in for more MotoGP this weekend!

 

 

Manuel Gonzalez (18) at Montmelo. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Manuel Gonzalez (18) at Montmelo. Photo courtesy Dorna.

 

Moto2™: Gonzalez gains the momentum heading to Misano

 

It wasn’t a win, it wasn’t a second, and it wasn’t a third either. But that P4 for Manuel Gonzalez (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) in Barcelona could prove to be the difference come the end of the season after Aron Canet (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) crashed out, and Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) scored just two points.

It’s a result that means Gonzalez arrives in Misano with a 38-point advantage over Canet, who suffered a heavy crash on Sunday. Thankfully, the #44 suffered no fractures and will be raring to go this weekend at a venue he picked up two P2s at in 2024, while Moreira will be out to forget his quiet weekend in Catalonia. The Brazilian has fallen 42 points behind Gonzalez, a number that Moreira will want to see decrease before we jet off to Asia.

While the championship fight story will take centre stage the remainder of 2025, Daniel Holgado’s (CFMOTO Impulse Aspar Team) debut Moto2 victory certainly stole plenty of the headlines. Pole position and a commanding victory on home turf signalled a perfect weekend at the office for the rookie, who beat second place Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) by 2.5s. The Briton earned his first podium finish since Germany, and the #96 is now just one point behind fourth place Barry Baltus (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) in the standings.

And what about Daniel Muñoz’s (Red Bull KTM Ajo) P3? Deniz Öncü’s stand-in stunned to deliver his first Moto2 podium at his home round, so can Muñoz establish himself as a regular front runner before he more than likely joins the grid full-time in 2026?

Of the home favourites, Celestino Vietti (Beta Tools SpeedRS Team) has five top six results in his last seven races, and he arrives at a circuit he won at last year at the Emilia-Romagna GP. A repeat would go down very well with the home crowd.

Does Gonzalez extend his points lead, or is it a weekend where Canet, Moriera and co reel in the Spaniard?

 

Moto3 race at Montmelo. Photo courtesy Dorna
Moto3 race at Montmelo. Photo courtesy Dorna

 

Moto3™: can Piqueras pinch more points from Rueda in Misano?

 

It may only be five points, but winning is exactly what Angel Piqueras(FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) needs to continue doing if he wants to stop Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) from winning the 2025 Moto3 World Championship. And that’s exactly what he did last year at our next port of call: the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli.

Piqueras clinched his first Moto3 win at Misano last year despite having two Long Lap penalties. Not bad. And a week later, it was only eventual World Champion David Alonso who beat the Spaniard, so a gold and silver medal from 2024 – plus two wins in his last three outings – will see a confident Piqueras arrive this weekend.

Rueda’s Long Lap to P2 was impressive in Barcelona, and having racked up two P5s in Austria and Hungary, a return to the podium was needed for the title chase leader. 64 points is still a very healthy margin in the #99’s favour, but Piqueras has stepped on the gas when he needed to. A big weekend awaits.

Elsewhere, all of Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team), David Muñoz (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) and Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) will be wanting an immediate response to their low-key Catalan GP results, while Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) hopes his Barcelona P3 is the catalyst for more of the same in the coming weeks.

With 102 points now the gap between Rueda and Quiles, is it a two-horse race for the Moto3 title between Rueda and Piqueras? We’ll know more come Sunday in Misano.

Fong to Make Wild Card Appearance in WorldSBK

Mathilde Gasnier
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Fong to Make Wild Card Appearance in WorldSBK

Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing and Strack Racing team up to field a wild card entry with Bobby Fong at the final two rounds of the 2025 WorldSBK season.

 

MARIETTA, Ga. –  September 11, 2025 – Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.’s (YMUS) official Superbike team, Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing, and YMUS’ official Supersport team, Strack Racing, will join forces to field a wild card entry in the 2025 FIM Superbike World Championship. With Attack Performance leading team operations, Strack Racing joins the effort as a strategic partner to support the successful Superbike program on the world stage. MotoAmerica Superbike points leader Bobby Fong will pilot the Attack Performance Strack Racing Progressive Yamaha R1 as he makes his WorldSBK debut at the penultimate round in Estoril, Portugal, on October 10-12, and the season finale in Jerez, Spain, on October 17-19. In addition to support from YMUS, the effort will also receive technical support from Yamaha Motor Europe. 

 

Attack Performance, one of the sport’s premier manufacturers of high-performance components and services for modern sportbikes, has carried on the winning tradition of the Yamaha R1 since becoming YMUS’ official Superbike team in 2020. The championship-winning program has delivered four premier-class titles and 69 victories thus far, and looks to add a fifth title this season. Additionally, Attack Performance has experience in international competition, fielding wild card entries in both WorldSBK and MotoGP – the most recent effort in 2022, when the team raced the Portuguese WorldSBK round in Portimao after securing a second-consecutive MotoAmerica Superbike title with Jake Gagne.

 

In a short amount of time, Strack Racing has cemented its reputation as a top competitor in the MotoAmerica paddock. Newly rebranded in 2024, the young team enjoyed a championship-winning season with Yamaha and the R6 as Mathew Scholtz secured the MotoAmerica Supersport title a race early with a total of eight victories. As YMUS’ official Supersport team in 2025, they found immediate success with the all-new R9. With two rounds remaining, Scholtz has a seven-point lead in the hotly contested MotoAmerica Supersport Championship and a total of seven race wins and 12 podiums. Adding to the team’s tally, new recruit Blake Davis has three victories and seven podiums to his credit, and sits third in the points standings during his sophomore season in the class.

 

Fong, who will lead the U.S. team’s effort overseas, is eager to make his WorldSBK debut. The 2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion joined Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing in 2025 and has enjoyed a standout season with the team. The talented rider from Stockton, California, has been on a hot streak in the latter half of the season, doubling his premier class wins with five consecutive victories and a total of 11 podium finishes. Heading into this weekend’s penultimate round at the Circuit of The Americas, Fong has a 17-point lead in the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship. 

 

Jeff Sidlovsky – Yamaha Racing Assistant Department Manager for YMUS

“Yamaha is pleased to support Attack Performance’s effort in World Superbike for the final two rounds, and we are excited to do it in conjunction with Strack Racing. It is a strong showcase for the R1 platform and the successful partnerships we have with Richard, Peter, and the Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing and Strack Racing teams. We look forward to seeing the American program on track at Estoril and Jerez.”

 

Niccolò Canepa, Road Racing Sporting Manager, Yamaha Motor Europe

“We are looking forward to welcoming Bobby to the World Superbike paddock for the Estoril and Jerez events. 2025 has been a remarkable season for him and the Attack Performance team, fighting for the title in the MotoAmerica championship. We are always looking to give riders who have been successful in their national series the opportunity to race on the world stage, so we are pleased to be able to provide support to help make these wildcards happen. Good luck to both Bobby and the team for the final MotoAmerica rounds, and fingers crossed he will join us in Portugal as the reigning champion!”

 

Richard Stanboli – Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing Team Manager

“Bobby and the team are very excited to go race the last two rounds of the World Superbike season at Estoril and Jerez after the MotoAmerica season. We know it will be challenging, but we’re looking forward to that challenge. These wild-card entries that we have done in the past at the World Championship level – whether it be World Superbike or MotoGP – have always been a great learning exercise and have helped us improve as a team. It’s a great extension of the work we do here with our championship-winning program in MotoAmerica Superbike. 

“We appreciate the continued support from Yamaha U.S. and Yamaha Europe, who will provide some technical assistance. We’re also happy to have Strack Racing come on board to support this effort. I would also like to thank Pirelli for the assistance and technical support they will bring to the team. Our goal is to continue our development of the R1, and to put on a good show and make our fans proud.”

 

Peter Strack – Strack Racing Team Owner 

“We are proud to stand alongside Yamaha and Attack Performance in this World Superbike wild card effort. By building on the championship foundation Richard and his team have established in MotoAmerica, our role is to provide the resources and strategic support needed to showcase that excellence on the global stage.”

 

Bobby Fong – Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing #50

“I am beyond excited to race the last two rounds of World Superbike. It’s always been a dream of mine to showcase my talents on an international stage. I know it’s going to be a big task. The times there are super close, and we are ready to bring our best efforts forward. My personal goal is to be in the fight for the top 10 and to keep improving each session. I personally want to thank Richard, Yamaha, Strack Racing, and the whole Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha crew for making this all happen.”

 

About Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. :

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (YMUS), is a recognized leader in the outdoor recreation industry. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings include Motorcycles and Scooters, ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles, Snowmobiles, Personal Watercraft, Boats, Outboard Motors, Outdoor Power Equipment, Power Assist Bicycles, Golf Cars [sold, serviced, and distributed by Yamaha Golf-Car Company], Power Assist Wheelchair Systems, Surface Mount Technology and Robotic Machines, Unmanned Helicopters, Accessories, Apparel, Yamalube products, and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of distributors and dealers in the United States.

YMUS has a corporate office in California, three corporate offices in Georgia, as well as facilities in Wisconsin, Alabama, and Florida. YMUS subsidiaries Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America (YMMC), based in Georgia, and Yamaha Jet Boat Manufacturing U.S.A. (YJBM) based in Tennessee, each assemble and manufacture selected Yamaha brand products. YMUS owns Skeeter Boats [Texas] with its division G3 Boats [Missouri]. Additional U.S.-based subsidiaries include Yamaha Marine Systems Company, Inc. (YMSC) with subsidiary Siren Marine [Rhode Island] and divisions Bennett Marine [Florida], Yamaha Marine Rotational Molders [Wisconsin] and Yamaha Precision Propeller Inc. [Indiana].

Yamaha Motor Finance Corporation, USA, dba Yamaha Financial Services, is an affiliate of Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA offering financing solutions to support Yamaha Dealers and loyal Yamaha Customers nationwide.

AHRMA: Announces Purse For Pro Challenge at Barber

Mathilde Gasnier
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AHRMA: Announces Purse For Pro Challenge at Barber

The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is excited to announce a $20,750 purse for the AHRMA Pro Challenge. The 12 lap race will be held on October 4, 2025, at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, AL, during the 20th Annual Barber Vintage Festival as part of the 2025 AHRMA Roadracing Series presented by Motobilia.  Sponsored by Fast by Ferracci Racing and Moto Corse Performance, with supporting sponsors NOLA Riding Academy and Larrabure Framing, the race will feature a vast array of today’s most exciting race bikes.

For 2025, the purse again will be split among pro and non-pro racers, giving the dedicated AHRMA racers a chance to participate in the prizes.

 

Pro Payout

  • 1st place $6,000
  • 2nd place $3,600
  • 3rd place $2,400
  • 4th place $1,800
  • 5th place $1,200

 

Non-pro Payout to AHRMA qualified racers

  • 1st place $2,000
  • 2nd place $1,500
  • 3rd place $1,000
  • 4th place $750
  • 5th place $500

 

Riders will elect Pro or Non-Pro status before the race. A Pro rider on an AHRMA waiver cannot elect Non-Pro status, but a Barber Qualified AHRMA racer can elect Pro if they chose to do so.  An AHRMA Non-Pro rider on an AHRMA waiver may elect Non-Pro status pending approval by the race director.

 

Details regarding racer and machine eligibility can be found here: https://www.ahrma.org/fourth-annual-pro-challenge-at-the-barber-vintage-festival/

 

About AHRMA: 

The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to competing on fantastic classic and true vintage along with a wide range of modern motorcycles.  With nearly 3,000 members, AHRMA is the largest vintage racing group in North America and one of the biggest in the world. The association has grown steadily over the years, reflecting the increasing interest in classic bikes.

 

MotoGP: Yamaha Unveil V4-Powered YZR-M1 In Misano

Mathilde Gasnier
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0
MotoGP: Yamaha Unveil V4-Powered YZR-M1 In Misano

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. unveiled its V4-powered YZR-M1 today in Misano. The presentation of the prototype so early in the 2025 season underlines Yamaha’s bold new approach to bike development. The V4 prototype will be seen in action around the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli this weekend, piloted by Yamaha Factory Racing Test Team’s Augusto Fernández, who enters the Grand Prix of San Marino as a wild card. Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins will also have a chance to ride the new prototype again, this time in public during Monday’s San Marino MotoGP Test.

 

Yamaha V4-powered YZR-M1. Photo courtesy Yamaha Factory Team.
Yamaha V4-powered YZR-M1. Photo courtesy Yamaha Factory Team.

 

The highly anticipated Yamaha V4-powered prototype unveiling event took place today inside the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP hospitality at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli. Yamaha’s management proudly presented the brand-new bike, designed to suit the V4 engine.

The introduction of the prototype at only Round 16 of the MotoGP World Championship reflects Yamaha’s long-term commitment to advancing motorcycle innovation and their new ‘more aggressive approach’ to bike development.

Yamaha Motor Company’s General Manager of Motor Sports Development Division Takahiro Sumi, Yamaha Motor Racing Managing Director Paolo Pavesio, Project Leader Kazuhiro Masuda, and Technical Director Max Bartolinishared their excitement to start this new chapter, discussing Yamaha’s dedication towards the V4 engine and bike development, the new Yamaha structure and mindset in 2025, and the preparations for 2026.

 

Yamaha V4-powered YZR-M1. Photo courtesy Yamaha Factory Team.

Test Rider and Rider Performance Advisor Andrea Dovizioso and Official MotoGP Test Rider for the Yamaha Factory Racing Team Augusto Fernández were also put in the spotlight as major contributors to the V4 project. Through their expertise and precision, the two riders have shown themselves to be a cohesive and highly effective team, providing valuable support to the collaborative efforts of Yamaha’s test riders, engineers, and the full-time MotoGP teams and riders.

The unveiling event included a first view of Fernández’s bike, sporting a full-blue Yamaha corporate livery.

Fernández will be riding the V4-powered prototype as a wild card during the San Marino GP, allowing MotoGP enthusiasts the world over to see the brand-new prototype in action for the very first time.

Fernández, who announced he has recently signed on as an Official Test Rider for Yamaha in 2026-2027, has already ridden the new bike in various private Yamaha tests, one of them held at the Misano track.

 

Yamaha V4-powered YZR-M1 exhaust. Photo courtesy Yamaha Factory Team.

With the upcoming wild-card entry for the Grand Prix of San Marino, Yamaha aims to have Fernández try the prototype bike in a MotoGP race-weekend setting.

The sole purpose of the wild card is data gathering. No bike development decisions will be based on this weekend’s results.

MotoGP media and fans will also be able to get a first glimpse of Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins in action aboard the new bike on Monday 15th during the San Marino MotoGP Test.

Want to see exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of the V4-powered prototype development? Check out Yamaha’s ‘The Blue Shift’ YouTube Series latest episode:

The Blue Shift | Episode 3 – Plan V

 

 

 

TAKAHIRO SUMI – General Manager, Motor Sports Development Division: 

“We have taken on an ambitious project developing a new V4 engine and a whole new bike, and it is particularly demanding when done simultaneously with the 2025 bike development. Such a challenge comes with high stakes and pressure: it’s the type of project that can only be done right when it’s not just a ‘team effort’ but a ‘company effort’, and all involved have to give it 100%.

“From the start of the V4 project there were many questions to be answered, and we are still in the development stage, but one thing is for certain: our goal is to return Yamaha to winning ways with an evidence‑based approach. The V4‑powered prototype reflects one integrated project where Japan and Europe share responsibilities and expertise. Thanks to the hard work of Project Leader Kazuhiro Masuda, Technical Director Max Bartolini, the Yamaha engineers, the Yamaha Factory Racing Test Team, the test riders, the technical partners, and all others who contributed, we are able to take strategic steps and make progress.

“We thank the fans for their never-failing support, and we hope that they will continue to show interest in our journey back to the pinnacle of motorcycle road racing. Exploration is part of Yamaha’s DNA. The V4‑powered prototype opens an additional technical pathway. We will race what proves most competitive.”

 

PAOLO PAVESIO – Managing Director, Yamaha Motor Racing: 

“The development of the V4-powered prototype is the result of a collaborative effort between Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (YMC) in Japan, Yamaha Motor Racing (YMR) in Europe, and a select group of technical partners, alongside the Yamaha Factory Racing Test Team.

“The track will ultimately determine whether we have achieved our goals, but I’m already proud of the challenging spirit we’ve embraced in reshaping how we work: faster, more agile, and more open to leveraging our global assets, both organizationally and technically.

“Within this renewed approach, signing Andrea and Augusto last year was a pivotal moment in bringing Plan V to life. Given its scope, the upcoming 850cc project, and the change in tyre supplier, having two test riders was essential. Their complementary strengths were also a key consideration: Andrea brings a development discipline that aligns perfectly with our pursuit of high-quality feedback. His decades at the top of MotoGP and deep technical expertise make him an invaluable asset. Augusto, meanwhile, has seamlessly complemented Andrea’s work, especially through his contributions in tests and wild-card entries. As a recent full-time MotoGP rider still in peak form, he’s instrumental in pushing the limits of our new V4 engine and prototype bike. These stress tests not only yield critical data but also offer a clear view of our competitive reality.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Cal Crutchlow for his work as a Test Rider over the past years. Although he has not been involved in the V4 project, we remain deeply grateful for his longstanding contributions to Yamaha‘s bike development.

“Looking ahead, we’re thrilled that both Andrea and Augusto have chosen to continue their journey with us into 2026 and 2027, remaining key figures in the evolution of the V4 project. This weekend’s wild-card entry marks an exciting new chapter, one we believe will capture the attention of MotoGP fans.”

 

 

KAZUHIRO MASUDA – Yamaha YZR-M1 Project Leader:

The development of the V4-equipped prototype has progressed according to a structured, phased plan. Thus far, we have completed dyno testing, followed by track correlation, and this weekend we are conducting ‘stress tests’ under real-life GP conditions.

“As for the next steps: this Monday we’ll have the IRTA test with Fabio and Álex, aimed at expanding our data set. We are unable to disclose details regarding private test sessions, but we remain fully committed to the programme and are approaching each phase with the utmost diligence.

“We are applying a comprehensive and disciplined approach, ensuring no aspect is overlooked. At this stage, I’m pleased to report that the progress is in line with our expectations. If all goes well this weekend and on Monday, subsequent steps include further testing at Sepang and Valencia.”

 

 

 

MASSIMO BARTOLINI – Technical Director, Yamaha Factory Racing:

“Our team has designed a coherent package: power delivery, chassis balance, and aerodynamics tuned as a system. This weekend’s focus is not on performance benchmarks, but on operational learning under real-world MotoGP Grand Prix conditions.

“Our key objectives are to validate core assumptions, gather high-quality data, and inform the next phase of iteration. While the long-term ambition remains a competitive V4 platform for the 2026 season, any final commitment will be based on an evaluation of outcomes at the end of the 2025 programme.

“This initiative is a strategic approach to broaden our technical options and accelerate our learning curve to ensure we make the most informed decision for our future in MotoGP racing.”

 

 

 

ANDREA DOVIZIOSO – Test Rider & Riders Performance Advisor:

“Since the very first outing in Malaysia, the project has given me very positive feelings. From the moment I tried the V4-powered prototype, I liked it straight away. With every run the feeling has improved, and I’ve always sensed great potential. Of course, there is still work to be done, but the indications so far are very encouraging. I believe we’ve made excellent progress, and I’m really enjoying this role as a test rider. I’m working very well with the Yamaha engineers, we’re building a strong relationship and gaining a deeper understanding step by step.

“I’m also very pleased with the relationship I have with Augusto. We’re working extremely well together, we share very similar feedback, and it’s both satisfying and enjoyable to collaborate with him. I really look forward to seeing him race on the new bike.”

 

 

 

AUGUSTO FERNÁNDEZ – Yamaha Factory Racing Test Rider:

“I’m really excited to race with the new bike. It’s an honour to be involved in such a big project for Yamaha and to be the first one to race the new bike! It will be a weekend during which we focus on improving our V4-powered prototype and define its strengths and weaknesses whilst riding with the rest of the MotoGP riders, in real time, in a race setting. So, it will be an important weekend – we get to see where we stand – so I’m really excited for this GP and can’t wait to start.”

AFT Heads To Lake Ozark Short Track

Mathilde Gasnier
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AFT Heads To Lake Ozark Short Track

The Grand National Championship will be decided when the 2025 Progressive American Flat Track season, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, concludes with the Arby’s Lake Ozark Short Track presented by Arrowhead Brass at Lake Ozark Speedway in Eldon, Missouri on Saturday, September 13. 

And the season finale will once again play out in suitably festive surroundings, serving as a centerpiece of this year’s 19th Annual Lake of the Ozarks BikeFest, an event destined to attract some 125,000 motorcycle enthusiasts to the area from September 10-14. 

 

The Grand. National. Championship. 

Any concerns that Mission AFT SuperTwins would lose a bit of intrigue and drama after ten-time class king Jared Mees rode off into the sunset have not just been proven unfounded but resoundingly so. 

Over the course of an unforgettable ‘25 title fight, Mees’ latter-day foils, Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) and Briar Bauman (No. 3 RWR/Parts Plus/Latus Motors Harley-Davidson XG750R), established their own rivalry which could potentially define the sport for the next decade. 

Their battles have been epic and at times not without controversy or acrimony. Momentum has been seized and reseized. And each has faced down adversity while making their respective bids to assume Mees’ throne this season. 

The tides turned yet again – and in a big way – at the Springfield Mile doubleheader. 

Bauman powered into Springfield on a high following his triumphant performance in Peoria. He left in disappointment, an 11-point advantage transformed into a 13-point deficit. That margin puts his chances for a third Grand National Championship in serious peril, a reality he’s all too aware of. 

However it plays out, Bauman has already done as much this season to cement his legacy as an all-time great as any of his prior campaigns, including the two in which he defeated Mees for the title. 

This season, Bauman and his Rick Ware Racing team took a previously winless Harley-Davidson XG750R and made it a genuine title threat on the strength of seven wins to date. But it goes beyond the numbers – the manner and style in which he’s done it left even the gifted Daniels and the powerhouse Estenson Racing team behind him at times bewildered. 

Perhaps paradoxically, Bauman was never more impressive than he was in Springfield, where he routinely sliced and diced the world’s elite motorcycle flat trackers up through the corners just to cling to contention down the straights. 

However, overpowered on Saturday and luckless on Sunday, Bauman now faces a steep climb to the title this weekend despite his overall brilliance in 2025. 

 

1.56% 

Just how steep? 

If Bauman wins this weekend – and he should be viewed as the favorite considering the desperation of his situation along with his status as the winningest Short Track rider in series history – he’ll end the year with 307 points and a tiebreaking eight wins. 

That would mean Daniels would have to finish seventh or better to accumulate at least 308 points, and along with it, the 2025 Grand National Championship. 

And just how likely is that? 

Consider the following:  

Daniels has participated in 64 Main Events throughout the entirety of his near four-season premier-class career. During that span, he has finished outside the top five just once. That outlier took place during the 2022 Volusia double finale weekend, in which he crashed from fourth and ultimately finished 12th. 

Since that time, the Estenson Racing star has finished fifth or better in 47 consecutive races – 42 of those on the box. 

As has been said many times – by Bauman and many others – it’s not so much Daniels’ speed (which is remarkable) or his talent (which is considerable), but rather his unprecedented consistency that is his greatest attribute as a title fighter. 

One bad day. One bad race. One bad moment. Give Daniels an opportunity, and he’ll make you pay. 

Bauman had a bad day in Springfield. 

However, it’s not over just yet. Pile on the pressure of a lifelong goal, and the chance that the unthinkable happens might increase a percentage point or ten. 

It’s happened before; the racing annals overfloweth with stories of less likely scenarios coming to fruition. 

 

Give The Man His Due 

Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R) has spent the bulk of the season lost in the shadow of the fascinating Daniels/Bauman showdown. 

However, step back and admire another campaign that has only furthered his argument for eventual inclusion in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. 

26 points up on fourth, Robinson has already locked in his fifth Grand National Championship ranking of third or better. He’s also added five more podiums to his career tally, including a long-sought  first win on the Harley-Davidson XG750R he helped usher into the series eight years back. 

While no doubt frustrated after taking a step back from 2024’s title contention, Robinson has quietly penned another strong season in a career that’s gradually elevated him up to some pretty lofty statistical territory. 

 

Lowe Man Wins 

Much has been made – and deservedly so – of Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Progressive Insurance Honda Transalp) scoring Honda’s first twin-cylinder premier-class win of the millennium with his Springfield surprise. 

But perhaps lost in that excitement was just how much his huge weekend transformed his championship standing outlook. 

Prior to Springfield, Lowe was locked in a tight fight for sixth with James Ott (No. 19 G&G Racing Yamaha MT-07), Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Vinson Construction Suzuki GSX-8S), and Max Whale (No. 18 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650). 

Meanwhile, Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing KTM 790 Duke) and Jarod VanDerKooi (No. 20 Fastrack Racing/Wally Brown Racing KTM 790 Duke) still held outside hopes of edging Robinson for third at the time. 

Lowe’s stunning success combined with twin misfortune for Fisher and ‘VDK,’ has painted a very different picture with just one race to go. As it stands, it’s now Lowe who sits fourth with 172 points, followed closely by Fisher (169) and VanDerkooi (167). 

Even before the breakthrough victory, Lowe’s top-five finish at the Lucas Oil Short Track was likely good enough to consider 2025 a positive one of the Big Red SuperTwins program. The victory more than assured that.  
But fourth in the overall standings? That would certainly be something. 

 

Rookie of the Year 

Lowe’s Springfield triumph also handed him a commanding lead in the chase for Mission AFT SuperTwins Rookie of the Year honors. 

Lowe and Ott have gone back and forth in a two-rider tilt all year long, but Lowe’s big win pushed him 18 points out in front with just the finale to go. In other words, it would take a monster result from Ott and utter catastrophe from Lowe to prevent the Honda pilot from being named premier-class Rookie of the Year. 

That said, congratulations to Ott, who has been hugely impressive in his own right. With one race left to shine, the Californian has already racked up four top fives on the G&G Yamaha – highlighted by a pair of podiums – in his first Mission AFT SuperTwins campaign. 

 

It’s Best to Rest Before BikeFest 

There will be no shortage of entertainment options at the 19th Annual Lake of the Ozarks BikeFest in general and the Lake Ozark Short Track in particular.  

Along with the season-ending action on track culminating in the crowing of the 2025 Grand National Champion, fans will be treated to Jumbotron-enhanced viewing, dedicated motorcycle parking, numerous food and beverage options, the Fans Zone – complete with a face painter – and a fireworks display to conclude the evening’s activities. 

 

Your Ticket to the Land of Oz(ark) 

General Admission tickets are just $40 (kids 12 and under free with a paid adult General Admission ticket). Students can get a GA ticket for just $20 ticket at the gate with a student ID, while qualified individuals can take advantage of the Military/First Responder discount to purchase $20 General Admission tickets via the GovX link found on the event ticket pages.  

Reserved Grandstand tickets, which are located along the front stretch of the racetrack with ideal sightlines, are just $50 (all ages). 

H.O.G. members can purchase a H.O.G. Membership Ticket for $30 (all ages), which grants access to both a dedicated parking area and dedicated grandstand seating, along with a meet and greet and photo opportunity with the Harley-Davidson racers and a private infield tour. 

Finally, there’s the Opening Ceremonies Trackside Fan Experience ($99), which includes General Admission seating with full pit pass access, a guided tour of the infield podium and start/finish line, photo opps, and up-close viewing of Opening Ceremonies and the night’s race action. 

Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/lake-ozark-short-track-126438 to purchase your tickets today. 

Gates will open for fans at 3:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. PT) with Opening Ceremonies set to begin at 8:00 p.m. ET (5:00 a.m. PT). 

 

How to Watch 

 

  • FloRacing 

For those that can’t catch the live action from the circuit, FloRacing is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Motorsports fans can subscribe to FloRacing to enjoy over 1,000 live motorsports events in 2025. FloSports is available by visiting https://flosports.link/aft or by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire and Chromecast. 

 

  • FS1 

FOX Sports coverage of the Arby’s Lake Ozark Short Track presented by Arrowhead Brass, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Saturday, September 20, at 11:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. PT). 

For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com. 

Video: Stuman Rides The BMW S 1000 RR Race Bike

Mathilde Gasnier
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Video: Stuman Rides The BMW S 1000 RR Race Bike

In this video, Stuman offers riding impressions of a BMW S 1000 RR Race Bike. He had the opportunity to ride this bike at Thunderhill and was very impressed. The video features some information about the AIM Solo 2 DL lap timer and Smarty Cam setup on the bike.

 

Link to the video: https://youtu.be/QE-tsOdLWz0?si=GV5lg4JPakZ5JiR9

 

Rookies Run Riot: The AFT Singles Rookie Class of ‘25

Mathilde Gasnier
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Rookies Run Riot: The AFT Singles Rookie Class of ‘25

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.  – The earliest signs that a rookie wave was about to hit the 2025 AFT Singles presented by KICKER class registered as barely more than a ripple.

The Progressive American Flat Track DAYTONA double season opener was meant to serve as a glorified torch-passing ceremony, with three-time reigning class champ Kody Kopp – who was preparing to embark on a roadracing career – slated to hand the reins over to his dueling heir apparents, Tom Drane and Chase Saathoff.

Instead, Kopp used the opportunity to clock a pair of extended victory laps, adding two more wins to his all-time class record before tossing said torch into the dirt for Drane and Saathoff to scrap over in his absence.

Nearly lost to that bright spotlight was the performance of Lucky Thumb M/C’s Ethan Kitchen, who managed to sneak into the bottom of the top ten in his debut weekend.

The wave next hit not just like a tsunami, but one of historic proportions.

Beachside Ventura Raceway served as a scenic backdrop framing the raw brilliance of Kage Tadman, who set the scene alight with a dominant victory in his very first attempt.

Very few riders had managed that in the history of the class. And no one had ever done what he would do days later – repeat the remarkable feat at Silver Dollar Speedway.

In doing so, Tadman set the stage for what has proved to be an unusually impactful rookie class.

Read the complete story and 2025 Singles Rookie breakdown HERE.

UtahSBA: 3-Hour Endurance And King Of The Mountain Showdown

Mathilde Gasnier
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UtahSBA: 3-Hour Endurance And King Of The Mountain Showdown

2025 has been a record year for the Utah Sport Bike Association’s “Masters of the Mountain” series presented by Utah Motorcycle Law! After 5 exciting rounds it was down to the final event, round 6, that took place September 6th and 7th at Burt Brothers Motorpark in Grantsville, UT. Racers from the Mountain West Region and beyond flocked into Tooele Valley for the Season Finale on the Fun, Fast, and Challenging Perimeter course. While local riders were looking to finish their seasons strong and wrap up their championship battles, many fast and highly competitive out of town racers were trying to get a taste of the hype that has been surrounding the UtahSBA this year. It’s safe to say it didn’t take long for everyone to understand why this series has quickly become the premier race organization and venue for summer motorcycle road racing in the West.

Saturday morning started off as it has all season with all racers qualifying for their grid spots in their respective classes. It was busy on track with nearly 100 riders showing up to race this round. Topping the charts in the first round of qualifying was previous #1 plate holder Brian Childree at a 1:56.5. During the second sessions, 2025 Club Champion Anthony Norton put in a lap of 1:54.6 to leap to the top of the charts and secure pole position with returning racer Genaro Lopez securing the 3rd fastest time at 1:58.0. Saturday sprint racing kicked off immediately following qualifying and the grids were dense which meant you couldn’t take your eyes off the action on track because there were battles from start to finish in every race.

 

Anthony Norton on his pole position qualifying lap. Photo by Martina Velcheva.
Anthony Norton on his pole position qualifying lap. Photo by Martina Velcheva.

 

The Novice middleweights were the first to take the green flag for the weekend in the Vortex Racing Moto2 Novice class. This class has been a battle all season with Dakota Burford, Parker Meyer and Brayden Rocco all chasing Hunter Underhill in a tight championship battle. These Riders gave it their all in the final round with Dakota and Parker putting on a show going back and forth throughout the race doing their part to maximize their points yield. At the stripe, Parker fell .5 short of the win to Dakota followed by Brayden just off the leaders in 3rd and Hunter finishing 4th which was good enough to secure the class championship on the season.

Next on track were the Expert and Novice heavyweight bikes of the stock1000 classes. In the Crossbeam Builders stock1000 expert class fast qualifier Anthony Norton had already wrapped up the class championship but wasn’t letting off the gas just yet. Starting from p3 Lou Soccaccio jumped the start and led Norton and Genaro Lopez into turn 1. Norton would catch the Soccaccio into turn 5 to take the official lead on track and pick up right where he left off in qualifying lapping faster than the field on his way to victory. Lopez made the pass for 2nd shortly after and Justen Behmer out of Colorado would secure the final podium spot after the jump start penalty was given to Soccacio. The real drama happened in the second wave with the Trackstar Racing stock1000 Novices where Damon Schuetze and James Walker were separated by just 1 point in the championship battle. The two locking horns in the race left the door open for Riley Hebert to take his shot at the front. Hebert nailed the start and jumped out to an early lead with Derek Festavan giving chase in second followed by the 2 championship leaders. While Hebert would be uncontested at the front, the 3 behind him never let him get away as the top 4 would be separated by less than 2 seconds at the finish. The finishing order went Hebert, Festavan, and Walker with Schuetze just off the podium in 4th. The Championship title went to James Walker by just 3 points to Damon Schuetze in 2nd both celebrated a remarkably successful season.

 

Riley Hebert celebrates his first UtahSBA win. Photo By Richard Jellerson.
Riley Hebert celebrates his first UtahSBA win. Photo By Richard Jellerson.

 

Saturday’s main event, The “Duel in the Desert” endurance race. It’s been a growing and welcomed race platform reintroduced this year by the UtahSBA. Each round it has gotten bigger and more competitive, this final round was no exception. 20 teams registered accounting for 42 riders in this special 3-hour endurance finale with double points and some season purse money on the line. Championship rivals Precision Fab Racing and Paradigm Racing, competing in Open Team Endurance, a true endurance format, would be head-to-head in a winner take all race for the championship. The two teams would lead the charge in the early laps with Anthony Norton on the Precision Fab ZX10 and Shane Turpin on the Paradigm Racing R6. Norton extended a near 40 second lead at the end of his stent before handing the bike off to teammate Kreece Elliot. Turpin adopted the lead during the Precision Fab pitstop before coming to pitlane himself and handing the reigns to teammate Lee Callans. Elliot stretched the lead to nearly 2 laps by the end of his stent then giving Kohl Burmester the reigns of the Precision Fab steed. Then it was Alex Zinaich’s turn on the paradigm machine who began to chip away at the leaders. Burmester finished his stent 1lap+ ahead as the team made their only Dunlop tire change of the race and Elliot got back on track for his second stent. At this point both teams would need to make at least 1 more fuel stop. After all the strategies played out and in the final minutes, it was Shane Turpin keeping pace with Anthony Norton on track, but 2 laps down and running out of time. Precision Fab Racing would take the win, and with it, the Racers Edge Dunlop Team Endurance Championship!

 

Kreece Elliott piloting the Precison Fab Machinery Race Team Endurance Bike in the 3-hour endurance. Photo by Crystall Doll.
Kreece Elliott piloting the Precison Fab Machinery Race Team Endurance Bike in the 3-hour endurance. Photo by Crystall Doll.

 

True Endurance podium(left to right) p3 The Weekend Garage, p1 Precision Fab Racing, p2 Paradigm Racing. Photo by Crystal Doll.
True Endurance podium(left to right) p3 The Weekend Garage, p1 Precision Fab Racing, p2 Paradigm Racing. Photo by Crystal Doll.

 

In the Hardline Excavation/Defcon Motorsports Ironman Endurance class, the main protagonists on the season have been Richard Findlay and Robert Jojola and they were at it again. With a championship still left undecided these warriors gave it their all for 3 straight hours. “Jojo” only stopping once for fuel would take the win in the final round. Findlay was fighting mechanical issues with his machine being stuck in 6th gear for the majority of the race but would not give up as he came into this round leading the class championship. The spirit of these Ironman endurance racers is next level. Findlay would reach the end of 3 hours in 2nd place, good enough to secure the season Ironman Championship.

 

Robert Jojola winning Ironman class in 3-hour endurance race. Photo by Richard Jellerson.
Robert Jojola winning Ironman class in 3-hour endurance race. Photo by Richard Jellerson.

 

The 3rd and final endurance class was the most contested class of round 6 with many out-of-town riders joining in the Apex Assassins Relay Endurance class. Racers, each racing their own bikes passing a transponder like a baton relay style. The Championship leading team “Formula 55” has been steadily running upfront all season and just 3 hours away from securing a championship of their own. Formula 55 Team members David Meyer, Jim Jackson, and Randy Alfano would run consistent for the entire race sticking to their plan and fight off the barrage of competitors to come out on top for their season efforts.

 

Relay Team Formula 55’s David Meyer and Randy Alfano swapping transponders during 3-hour relay endurance. Photo by Richard Jellerson.
Relay Team Formula 55’s David Meyer and Randy Alfano swapping transponders during 3-hour relay endurance. Photo by Richard Jellerson.

 

The club ended the day with podium celebrations for Saturday’s sprint and endurance races while providing some amazing BBQ for the paddock. The on-track battles while ferocious in spirit don’t outweigh the off-track comradery shared when the track goes cold. But there was still a full day of racing scheduled for Sunday and racers were every bit ready to duke it out the next morning.

Sunday morning the weather was a bit breezy but otherwise perfect to get the day started. The premier race of the weekend as always is the “King of the Mountain” race where all the fastest riders grid up for the glory and a shot of the Burt Brothers sponsored purse money. A whopping 30 riders took to the grid just after lunch, all stacked behind pole sitter and reigning KOM champion Anthony Norton. When the lights went out it was a mad dash into turn 1 with bikes bouncing off each other mid pack and somehow all making through turn 1. Into turn 1 it was Brian Childree and Kreece Elliott fighting for position with Childree getting the upper hand and the holeshot. Following the top two were Justen Behmer, Lou Saccoccio and then Anthony Norton in 5th looking to recover from terrible start. Norton quickly slotted into 4th and the top 4 started to break away, mostly 2 and 3 wide with one another of the first lap. Lap 1 ended with Childree leading Elliott, then Norton having taken 3rd away from 4th place Justen Behmer. Lap 2, turn 2, Norton shoved his way through his endurance teammate Elliot for 2nd and set his sights on the leader. Just a few corners later Norton pulled the trigger on the lead passing Childree into turn 5 and never looked back. Childree lapped closely behind for a few laps before Norton began to inch away on his way to Victory. The battle for the final podium spot never stopped with Behmer fighting for the pass on Elliott but at the checkered flag it was Kreece Elliott taking home the final podium spot and a nice paycheck for his efforts.

 

Burt Brothers King of the mountain Podium, P1 Anthony Norton, P2 Brian Childree, P3 Kreece Elliott. Photo By Richard Jellerson.
Burt Brothers King of the mountain Podium, P1 Anthony Norton, P2 Brian Childree, P3 Kreece Elliott. Photo By Richard Jellerson.

 

Race winner and Champion Anthony Norton had this to say post-race… “That was a blast! Rad to have some fast visitors this weekend. Battling through the top 3 in the opening laps was controlled chaos and a lot of fun. Pleasure to race with them (Childree, Elliott, Behmer). It’s been one heck of a season and I’m super proud of my whole team for their racing efforts and the support they give me. Special thanks to Dale with Racers Edge Dunlop helping me to win our 3rd straight #1 plate. Couldn’t do any of this without my friends and sponsors at Precision Fab Machinery, Legal Ride NV, Apex Assassins, and Crossbeam Builders. Also thankful for Burt Brothers Tire and Service who supports this class and the club making racing more achievable and more rewarding as well with some generous purse money.”

 

Anthony Norton with his signature “Stoppie” celebration after winning King of the Mountain Race. Photo By Crystal Doll.
Anthony Norton with his signature “Stoppie” celebration after winning King of the Mountain Race. Photo By Crystal Doll.

 

The Young Powersports Lightweight Superbike class is a collective of bikes and combined class consisting of expert and novice racers. The class races both days and the Saturday race was quite a show. Josh Lerner would take the win with a significant lead in race 1 aboard his Kramer but the next 4 riders would battle throughout the race. Championship Contender Martina Velcheva would lead this group in 2nd early on with Scott Christensen and Dustin Lance not letting her off easy, all 3 riding the new ZX4RR. Sean Groenstein was also in the fight for the podium. The 4 would exchange spots countless times but Christensen would begin to sneak away in 2nd, followed by the sweet sound and smell of the 2-stroke NSR machine piloted by Groenstein in 3rd. Lance would finish 4th and Velcheva brought her machine across the line in 5th. Race 2 on Sunday was all about the top 2 title contenders, Kyle Kacprzynski and Martina Velcheva. Martina had to win and hope that some riders could put themselves between her and Kyle for her shot at the Title. Martina did her job running away with a commanding lead and winning this battle, but Kyle would be the next bike across the line winning the war and the Championship. Great season for both Riders.

 

Martina Velcheva (509) leading Dustin Lance (327) and Sean Groenstein (110) in lightweight sbk race. Photo by Crystall Doll.
Martina Velcheva (509) leading Dustin Lance (327) and Sean Groenstein (110) in lightweight sbk race. Photo by Crystall Doll.

 

The final Race of the weekend and the sadly the season was the “run what you brung” Deseret Dash. Experts and Novices both race in this class but are scored separately. Winning the final Mountain Motor Club Open Deseret Dash Expert race was Justen Behmer on his Zx10R and the Redline Realty Novice class winner would be Landon Richey with his Ducati V4 machine. A fun race to put a stamp on the 2025 UtahSBA season.

Club President Brian Childree gave his final thoughts on a very successful season stating: “What an incredible way to close out the season! Round 6 delivered our biggest turnout yet. Racers hitting 180mph down the full straight, more than 20 teams competing in our 3-hour endurance, and close battles across every class. We were proud to welcome riders from Arizona, California, Nevada, Idaho, Montana, Colorado, Utah of course, even Mexico and Canada. All came here to compete head-to-head with Utah’s best. I couldn’t be prouder of what our club has built this year. Our Board members, volunteers, track staff, and of course the racers, poured their energy and passion into making this season a success and thanks to them we have set a new standard. We’re already looking ahead to 2026 and the ways we can make this series even better.”

This was the final round of superbike racing for the UtahSBA, not just for this season, but the club is rebranding and reaffirming the mission to make this series the premier destination for Roadracing in the western United States. More details to come on what’s next for the club but we’re sure you’ll want to be a part of what’s in store for 2026. Their last event for 2025 is the annual awards banquet which will be held October 18th at the Ken Garff University Club in Salt Lake City, UT. All those having business with this season or next including Racers, Family, Sponsors and more are encouraged to attend. Buy your tickets through Motorsportreg.com or visit Utahsba.com for more details including full season results and championship standings.

 

USBA 2025 Round 6 RRW

MotoAmerica Previews This Weekend’s Circuit Of The Americas Round

Michael Gougis
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MotoAmerica Previews This Weekend’s Circuit Of The Americas Round

The 2025 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship is reaching what promises to be a fever-pitched conclusion as the series heads to the penultimate round at Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas, this weekend, with three riders within striking distance of earning the coveted Superbike crown.

The three men still in the fight are Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing’s Bobby Fong, Tytlers Cycle Racing’s Cameron Beaubier, and Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati’s Josh Herrin.

Fong leads Beaubier by 17 points, with near-season-long points leader Herrin now on the outside looking in at 27 points behind. However, there are 125 points still on the board, with 50 of them up for grabs this weekend in Texas and 75 points more awaiting the pack with a tripleheader finale slated for New Jersey Motorsports Park, September 26-28.

So how did they get to this point?

Fong is atop the point standings because he has been on a heater for the past seven races, with five wins in a row, a second, and a third vaulting him to where he is now. At the top. Fong won race one at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course to take his streak to five, but his third-place finish in race two put an end to that.

It was Beaubier who snapped the streak with the five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion winning race two at Mid-Ohio in a record-breaking performance for the Californian. The win was Beaubier’s 90th career victory across all AMA road race classes, moving him out of a tie with Josh Hayes and making him the all-time leader in that category. It also ended a drought of 10 races without a victory for Beaubier, dating back to May and round two at Road Atlanta.

Of Beaubier’s 90 wins, 69 of them have come in the Superbike class.

If the most recent round at Mid-Ohio was a big one for Fong and Beaubier for different reasons, it was a disastrous one for Herrin.

It began with qualifying with the defending MotoAmerica Superbike Champion missing out on a front-row start for the first time this season. Herrin’s time was a tick over a second slower than Beaubier’s pole-winning lap time.

Things got worse in the two races with Herrin ending up seventh in race one after his Mid-Ohio meltdown started with him not wanting the race to start because of the oil-dry that was used in the right-hander at the end of the backstraight. The race went on, however, with Herrin almost crashing in the same corner. By the time he regained his composure, he was well back and had to fight his way up to seventh by the end of the 16-lap race.

On Sunday, things got even worse for Herrin. After he and Fong bumped on the seventh lap, both went off track. Herrin, however, got the worst of it. While Fong was able to rejoin quickly, and ultimately finished third, Herrin tipped over at low speed when he ran out of real estate and hit the air fence. By the time he got going again, Herrin was well down the order. Then, to make matters worse, he ended up crashing out of the race and suffered a right-leg injury.

Herrin’s horrible three-race stretch (he also crashed out of the lead in race two at VIR) translated to just 11 points while Fong scored 66 points and Beaubier tallied 49 points in the same three-race span.

Thus, the standings heading into COTA are Fong (278), Beaubier (261) and Herrin (251).

The best of the rest heading into the 16th and 17th races of the season has been Fong’s Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing teammate Jake Gagne. Gagne and Fong are the only two riders in the top five who have scored points in all 15 races, and that consistency sees Gagne a comfortable fourth in the championship with one win and seven total podiums, including his second-place finish behind Beaubier in race two at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

Vision Wheel M4 Suzuki’s Richie Escalante is fifth in the standings. Escalante has two podiums in 2025 and has scored points in 14 of the 15 races. He will be fighting the rest of the way to keep his teammate Sean Dylan Kelly behind him in the title chase. The two are separated by just 15 points heading to COTA, the site of Kelly’s first-career Superbike win a year ago and one of Escalante’s favorite tracks on the calendar.

Lurking behind those two is Real Steel Honda’s JD Beach, the runaway leader of the Superbike Cup for those competing in the Superbike class on Stock 1000-spec motorcycles. Beach is just three points behind Kelly with the Kentuckian hot off a third-place Superbike finish in race one at Mid-Ohio.

Hayden Gillim is eighth, 19 points behind his Real Steel Honda teammate Beach and 36 points clear of BPR Yamaha Racing’s Bryce Kornbau.

Aftercare Scheibe Racing’s Danilo Lewis rounds out the top 10 in the championship point standings heading into the Texas round.

Pre-COTA Notes…

Last year’s Superbike round at Circuit of The Americas consisted of three Superbike races, with one on Saturday and two on Sunday. The big winner of the three was Cameron Beaubier with the five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion winning race one and three and finishing second in race two to Sean Dylan Kelly. On Saturday, Beaubier topped Josh Herrin and Richie Escalante in race one. In race two on Sunday, Kelly took the win with Beaubier second and Herrin third. Sunday’s finale was won by Beaubier over Herrin and Kelly.

Cameron Beaubier earned pole position for the three Superbike races with his lap-record-breaking 2:06.559 besting Josh Herrin and Loris Baz. Beaubier was the only rider to get into the 2:06s. Row two consisted of Sean Dylan Kelly, Richie Escalante, and Xavi Forés.

Of the 15 MotoAmerica Superbike races held at COTA, non-Americans have won nine of them. The all-time win leader at COTA is Toni Elias, the now-retired Spaniard winning six races in Texas. The riders with the second most victories at COTA are Danilo Petrucci, with the Italian winning both races in 2022; Josh Herrin, who won a race in 2019 and won race two in 2023; and Cameron Beaubier, who won two of the three races last year. The third foreigner to win at COTA is Mathew Scholtz with the South African winning race one in 2018 for Westby Racing.

Suzuki is the manufacturer with the most MotoAmerica Superbike wins at COTA with seven. Yamaha has four victories in Austin with Josh Herrin giving Ducati its third win in Texas in 2023. BMW won all three races last year with Cameron Beaubier (two) and Sean Dylan Kelly (one).

With Cameron Beaubier finally winning his 90th AMA race at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course a few weeks ago, the victory brought his Superbike win total to 69. It wasn’t long ago that Mat Mladin’s Superbike win tally of 82 seemed to be out of reach. Beaubier, however, is now just 13 wins away from tying the Australian at the top of the all-time AMA Superbike win list.

About MotoAmerica

MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Stock 1000, Twins Cup, Talent Cup, Super Hooligan National Championship, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey; ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland; motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges; and businessman Richard Varner. For more information, please visit www.MotoAmerica.com, and MotoAmerica’s social platforms on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube. To watch all things MotoAmerica, subscribe to MotoAmerica’s live streaming and video on-demand service, MotoAmerica Live+

BSB Sportbike: American Gus Rodio Debuts at Donington Park

Mathilde Gasnier
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BSB Sportbike: American Gus Rodio Debuts at Donington Park
What a weekend it’s been! Our first outing as luxeStar VIP Suzuki in the SportBike class at the British Super Bikes Championship was nothing short of exhilarating. From torrential rain to record-breaking laps, the debut was packed with challenges, triumphs, and unforgettable moments.
 
A Wet Welcome at Donington Park
 
We rolled into Donington Park on Thursday under a sky that seemed determined to drown our spirits. The forecast was grim, but thankfully, the weather held off for most of the weekend, allowing us to focus on what really mattered—racing.
 
Gus Rodio Takes on the Challenge
 
Our rider, Gus Rodio, flew in from the United States accompanied by his father Kevin Rodio and mechanic Rich Marshall, ready to tackle a weekend of firsts:
  • First time racing at Donington Park
  • First time riding the Suzuki GSX-8R
  • First time on Pirelli tyres
 
That’s a mountain of new experiences to climb, especially in the ultra-competitive National SportBike class, where every rider is fast and fearless.
 
Rising to the Occasion
 
Despite the steep learning curve, Gus adapted quickly. His feedback was sharp, his pace improved with every session, and his determination was palpable. He finished the race in 12th place—but here’s the kicker: his fastest lap came on the final lap of the race, and it was the fastest lap of the entire field. Had the race gone on for just five more laps, Gus would likely have overtaken several riders ahead of him. That’s how strong his pace was.
 
 
Rodio on the grid before his first race in the SportBike class at Donington Park. Photo credit: Ian Hopgood Photography.
Rodio on the grid before his first race in the SportBike class at Donington Park. Photo credit: Ian Hopgood Photography.
 
Back to the States—For Now
 
As we write this, Gus is boarding a flight back to the U.S. to continue his campaign in the MotoAmerica Series. But we’re already looking ahead to his return at Brands Hatch in mid-October. He’s raced there before, and now that he’s dialed in with the Suzuki, we’re optimistic about what’s to come.
 
A Huge Thank You
 
This weekend wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support from our team and partners:
Mats Petersson for providing the bike and infrastructure
John Thornley for his top-tier mechanical expertise
Scott Rehl of luxeStar VIP for unwavering support
Holly the Brolly – Holly Harris – a great racer in her own right.
BigMoto, Classic Team Suzuki, Team GB Racing, HEL Performance, EBC, Envy Racing Apparel and other product suppliers joining us for future rounds
Your contributions have been invaluable.
 
Spotlight on Asher Durham
 
Another standout performance came from Asher Durham, also supported by luxeStar VIP and racing for the PowerSlide Suzuki Team. Asher battled fiercely with the leading group and clinched a well-earned 2nd place finish, propelling him to 2nd in the championship standings. We’re proud to play even a small part in his success.
 
Looking Ahead
 
This is just the beginning for Luxar VIP Suzuki Racing. With talent like Gus and Asher, and a passionate team behind them, the future looks fast and bright. We’re fired up for the next round and can’t wait to see what unfolds at Brands Hatch.
Until then—keep the throttle open and the passion alive.
 
 

MotoGP: Preview of The Red Bull Grand Prix of San Marino

MotoGP Race start at Barcelona. Photo courtesy Dorna.
MotoGP Race start at Barcelona. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Defeated for the first time in eight weekends, there’s no title on the line this time out. But it’s getting ever closer for Marc Marquez.

It was within just 1.7 seconds of his reach, but Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) will have to wait at least another Grand Prix to have a chance at completing his history-making comeback and win a seventh MotoGP crown. After seven weekends of glory in a row for the #93, it was instead Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) who came out swinging in Barcelona and took his second Grand Prix win of the season – a redemptive ride after crashing out the lead in the Tissot Sprint. Now, both arrive in Misano on two very different missions.

NO TITLE AT MISANO: the wait for the comeback rolls on

There may be no match point for Marc Marquez but there’s plenty of pride to uphold with it being the second home-round for Ducati. The #93 has five wins here, the most on the grid, although it isn’t one of his most emblematic venues. He also knows he can set up that Championship point for Japan – the easiest way is a seemingly foregone P7 or better in the Sprint. Meanwhile, Alex Marquez has never won back-to-back Grands Prix in MotoGP but with it also being his Gresini squad’s home event, the #73 can’t be written off. Still, they are far from the only home team on the grid – and there’s an armada of motivated Italian riders too.

P3 FIGHT: Bagnaia and Aprilia reload

On the rostrum in every San Marino GP since 2020 – when he took his first MotoGP podium – Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) endured a tough Catalan GP weekend before staging a notable comeback from P21 to P7 on Sunday. He was starting to feel the heat with Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) closing him down too, but Bez’s Barcelona struggles means that it’s now 40 points that split the duo. Just as both race on home turf, so do their factories – and Aprilia would enjoy nothing more than claiming Misano for themselves. Jorge Martin, on the other side of the Aprilia box, returns to where he tested before he returned from injury back in July too, with more and more kilometers on the clock as he looks to get back in the fight at the front.

KTM ON A ROLL: taking the fight to Ducati

Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3) led orange charge in Barcelona, and that’s not even one of his best venues – so the ‘Beast’ will be in the spotlight at Misano. Here, he’s both won in MotoGP and taken some incredibly memorable podiums, from his first ever rostrum finish to his street-fighting 2024 charge past Martin to the podium.Likewise continuing to make progress even if Barcelona wasn’t the home podium he was gunning for is Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing). He was fast but he was also beaten by Bastianini – what better way to return the favour than aiming to reverse that on the #23’s home turf.

Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) was also in good form to challenge for the top five in Barcelona, part of that stunning three-rider battle – so close it almost looked like a display run. Meanwhile, Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech3) continues to recover from his shoulder injury, adding the kilometers and likely encouraged by the form shown by the trio able to push at the front last time out.

PODIUM CONTENDERS: high targets and seeking redemption

P3 in the Barcelona Sprint was followed up with fifth on Sunday for Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP). Now, the Frenchman returns to the scene of his 2021 MotoGP title and one of his first big standout performances from his rookie year. Three P7s and a P9 from last year’s Grands Prix and Sprints – and fresh from a first test with Yamaha’s V4 in a private outing in Barcelona – ‘El Diablo’ is in form and the Iwata factory have that here too. That very V4 will also wildcard this weekend in the hands of test rider Augusto Fernandez.

Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) had a Catalan GP to forget but this is both his and the team’s home round. He’s tied with teammate Fabio Di Giannantonio and it’s a big weekend for both. Morbidelli took a Sprint podium at Misano last year and a first win here in 2020, whereas ‘Diggia’ took a Sprint P3 in Barcelona but has never had a top eight at Misano. Don’t discount Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) from a rostrum challenge either, despite a tricky last two rounds.

CHASING TOP 10s: battles aplenty through the pack

Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) was disappointed after his fall from fifth on Sunday last weekend and will want more, whereas Luca Marini(Honda HRC Castrol) took eighth last weekend as his uptick in impressive performances continues. His teammate Joan Mir struggled had a tougher one after having been the standout a couple of races ago, and Mir’s best Sunday result in 2024 was taken here. Meanwhile, returning to the top ten for the first time since Mugello was Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) and Misano is the scene of his last Moto2™ win last year. Teammate Raul Fernandez is without a top ten since Austria but a best Misano result of P8 in 2023 spurs him on.

P9 and a best result of 2025 last time out for Miguel Oliveira (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) is something he’ll want to build from, whereas teammate Jack Miller hopes for a top ten for the first time since Brno. After a first DNF of 2025, Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) seeks to bounce back at the San Marino GP. Welcomed back after injury, Somkiat Chantra (IDEMITSU Honda LCR) gets ready for a new challenge at Misano too.

Home turf for many, enemy territory for others, and even a balance of the two for some on the grid, Misano brings with it a sense of unpredictability year after year. In the area where so many young Italians get their first taste of motorcycling and the first dreams of becoming Champion, what lies ahead at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli? It’s either a match point in Japan or a huge twist in the tale on the horizon – so tune in for more MotoGP this weekend!

 

 

Manuel Gonzalez (18) at Montmelo. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Manuel Gonzalez (18) at Montmelo. Photo courtesy Dorna.

 

Moto2™: Gonzalez gains the momentum heading to Misano

 

It wasn’t a win, it wasn’t a second, and it wasn’t a third either. But that P4 for Manuel Gonzalez (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) in Barcelona could prove to be the difference come the end of the season after Aron Canet (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) crashed out, and Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) scored just two points.

It’s a result that means Gonzalez arrives in Misano with a 38-point advantage over Canet, who suffered a heavy crash on Sunday. Thankfully, the #44 suffered no fractures and will be raring to go this weekend at a venue he picked up two P2s at in 2024, while Moreira will be out to forget his quiet weekend in Catalonia. The Brazilian has fallen 42 points behind Gonzalez, a number that Moreira will want to see decrease before we jet off to Asia.

While the championship fight story will take centre stage the remainder of 2025, Daniel Holgado’s (CFMOTO Impulse Aspar Team) debut Moto2 victory certainly stole plenty of the headlines. Pole position and a commanding victory on home turf signalled a perfect weekend at the office for the rookie, who beat second place Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) by 2.5s. The Briton earned his first podium finish since Germany, and the #96 is now just one point behind fourth place Barry Baltus (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) in the standings.

And what about Daniel Muñoz’s (Red Bull KTM Ajo) P3? Deniz Öncü’s stand-in stunned to deliver his first Moto2 podium at his home round, so can Muñoz establish himself as a regular front runner before he more than likely joins the grid full-time in 2026?

Of the home favourites, Celestino Vietti (Beta Tools SpeedRS Team) has five top six results in his last seven races, and he arrives at a circuit he won at last year at the Emilia-Romagna GP. A repeat would go down very well with the home crowd.

Does Gonzalez extend his points lead, or is it a weekend where Canet, Moriera and co reel in the Spaniard?

 

Moto3 race at Montmelo. Photo courtesy Dorna
Moto3 race at Montmelo. Photo courtesy Dorna

 

Moto3™: can Piqueras pinch more points from Rueda in Misano?

 

It may only be five points, but winning is exactly what Angel Piqueras(FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) needs to continue doing if he wants to stop Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) from winning the 2025 Moto3 World Championship. And that’s exactly what he did last year at our next port of call: the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli.

Piqueras clinched his first Moto3 win at Misano last year despite having two Long Lap penalties. Not bad. And a week later, it was only eventual World Champion David Alonso who beat the Spaniard, so a gold and silver medal from 2024 – plus two wins in his last three outings – will see a confident Piqueras arrive this weekend.

Rueda’s Long Lap to P2 was impressive in Barcelona, and having racked up two P5s in Austria and Hungary, a return to the podium was needed for the title chase leader. 64 points is still a very healthy margin in the #99’s favour, but Piqueras has stepped on the gas when he needed to. A big weekend awaits.

Elsewhere, all of Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team), David Muñoz (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) and Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) will be wanting an immediate response to their low-key Catalan GP results, while Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) hopes his Barcelona P3 is the catalyst for more of the same in the coming weeks.

With 102 points now the gap between Rueda and Quiles, is it a two-horse race for the Moto3 title between Rueda and Piqueras? We’ll know more come Sunday in Misano.

Fong to Make Wild Card Appearance in WorldSBK

Bobby Fong aboard his Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha YZF-R1. Photo courtesy Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A
Bobby Fong aboard his Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha YZF-R1. Photo courtesy Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A

Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing and Strack Racing team up to field a wild card entry with Bobby Fong at the final two rounds of the 2025 WorldSBK season.

 

MARIETTA, Ga. –  September 11, 2025 – Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.’s (YMUS) official Superbike team, Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing, and YMUS’ official Supersport team, Strack Racing, will join forces to field a wild card entry in the 2025 FIM Superbike World Championship. With Attack Performance leading team operations, Strack Racing joins the effort as a strategic partner to support the successful Superbike program on the world stage. MotoAmerica Superbike points leader Bobby Fong will pilot the Attack Performance Strack Racing Progressive Yamaha R1 as he makes his WorldSBK debut at the penultimate round in Estoril, Portugal, on October 10-12, and the season finale in Jerez, Spain, on October 17-19. In addition to support from YMUS, the effort will also receive technical support from Yamaha Motor Europe. 

 

Attack Performance, one of the sport’s premier manufacturers of high-performance components and services for modern sportbikes, has carried on the winning tradition of the Yamaha R1 since becoming YMUS’ official Superbike team in 2020. The championship-winning program has delivered four premier-class titles and 69 victories thus far, and looks to add a fifth title this season. Additionally, Attack Performance has experience in international competition, fielding wild card entries in both WorldSBK and MotoGP – the most recent effort in 2022, when the team raced the Portuguese WorldSBK round in Portimao after securing a second-consecutive MotoAmerica Superbike title with Jake Gagne.

 

In a short amount of time, Strack Racing has cemented its reputation as a top competitor in the MotoAmerica paddock. Newly rebranded in 2024, the young team enjoyed a championship-winning season with Yamaha and the R6 as Mathew Scholtz secured the MotoAmerica Supersport title a race early with a total of eight victories. As YMUS’ official Supersport team in 2025, they found immediate success with the all-new R9. With two rounds remaining, Scholtz has a seven-point lead in the hotly contested MotoAmerica Supersport Championship and a total of seven race wins and 12 podiums. Adding to the team’s tally, new recruit Blake Davis has three victories and seven podiums to his credit, and sits third in the points standings during his sophomore season in the class.

 

Fong, who will lead the U.S. team’s effort overseas, is eager to make his WorldSBK debut. The 2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion joined Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing in 2025 and has enjoyed a standout season with the team. The talented rider from Stockton, California, has been on a hot streak in the latter half of the season, doubling his premier class wins with five consecutive victories and a total of 11 podium finishes. Heading into this weekend’s penultimate round at the Circuit of The Americas, Fong has a 17-point lead in the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship. 

 

Jeff Sidlovsky – Yamaha Racing Assistant Department Manager for YMUS

“Yamaha is pleased to support Attack Performance’s effort in World Superbike for the final two rounds, and we are excited to do it in conjunction with Strack Racing. It is a strong showcase for the R1 platform and the successful partnerships we have with Richard, Peter, and the Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing and Strack Racing teams. We look forward to seeing the American program on track at Estoril and Jerez.”

 

Niccolò Canepa, Road Racing Sporting Manager, Yamaha Motor Europe

“We are looking forward to welcoming Bobby to the World Superbike paddock for the Estoril and Jerez events. 2025 has been a remarkable season for him and the Attack Performance team, fighting for the title in the MotoAmerica championship. We are always looking to give riders who have been successful in their national series the opportunity to race on the world stage, so we are pleased to be able to provide support to help make these wildcards happen. Good luck to both Bobby and the team for the final MotoAmerica rounds, and fingers crossed he will join us in Portugal as the reigning champion!”

 

Richard Stanboli – Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing Team Manager

“Bobby and the team are very excited to go race the last two rounds of the World Superbike season at Estoril and Jerez after the MotoAmerica season. We know it will be challenging, but we’re looking forward to that challenge. These wild-card entries that we have done in the past at the World Championship level – whether it be World Superbike or MotoGP – have always been a great learning exercise and have helped us improve as a team. It’s a great extension of the work we do here with our championship-winning program in MotoAmerica Superbike. 

“We appreciate the continued support from Yamaha U.S. and Yamaha Europe, who will provide some technical assistance. We’re also happy to have Strack Racing come on board to support this effort. I would also like to thank Pirelli for the assistance and technical support they will bring to the team. Our goal is to continue our development of the R1, and to put on a good show and make our fans proud.”

 

Peter Strack – Strack Racing Team Owner 

“We are proud to stand alongside Yamaha and Attack Performance in this World Superbike wild card effort. By building on the championship foundation Richard and his team have established in MotoAmerica, our role is to provide the resources and strategic support needed to showcase that excellence on the global stage.”

 

Bobby Fong – Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing #50

“I am beyond excited to race the last two rounds of World Superbike. It’s always been a dream of mine to showcase my talents on an international stage. I know it’s going to be a big task. The times there are super close, and we are ready to bring our best efforts forward. My personal goal is to be in the fight for the top 10 and to keep improving each session. I personally want to thank Richard, Yamaha, Strack Racing, and the whole Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha crew for making this all happen.”

 

About Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. :

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (YMUS), is a recognized leader in the outdoor recreation industry. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings include Motorcycles and Scooters, ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles, Snowmobiles, Personal Watercraft, Boats, Outboard Motors, Outdoor Power Equipment, Power Assist Bicycles, Golf Cars [sold, serviced, and distributed by Yamaha Golf-Car Company], Power Assist Wheelchair Systems, Surface Mount Technology and Robotic Machines, Unmanned Helicopters, Accessories, Apparel, Yamalube products, and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of distributors and dealers in the United States.

YMUS has a corporate office in California, three corporate offices in Georgia, as well as facilities in Wisconsin, Alabama, and Florida. YMUS subsidiaries Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America (YMMC), based in Georgia, and Yamaha Jet Boat Manufacturing U.S.A. (YJBM) based in Tennessee, each assemble and manufacture selected Yamaha brand products. YMUS owns Skeeter Boats [Texas] with its division G3 Boats [Missouri]. Additional U.S.-based subsidiaries include Yamaha Marine Systems Company, Inc. (YMSC) with subsidiary Siren Marine [Rhode Island] and divisions Bennett Marine [Florida], Yamaha Marine Rotational Molders [Wisconsin] and Yamaha Precision Propeller Inc. [Indiana].

Yamaha Motor Finance Corporation, USA, dba Yamaha Financial Services, is an affiliate of Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA offering financing solutions to support Yamaha Dealers and loyal Yamaha Customers nationwide.

AHRMA: Announces Purse For Pro Challenge at Barber

2022 Barber Vintage Fest with Stefano Mesa (37), Nate Kern (9T), Jeff Graham (222), Arnold Hastings (38A), and Ray Hofman (771). Photo Credit Etechphoto.
2022 Barber Vintage Fest with Stefano Mesa (37), Nate Kern (9T), Jeff Graham (222), Arnold Hastings (38A), and Ray Hofman (771). Photo Credit Etechphoto.

The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is excited to announce a $20,750 purse for the AHRMA Pro Challenge. The 12 lap race will be held on October 4, 2025, at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, AL, during the 20th Annual Barber Vintage Festival as part of the 2025 AHRMA Roadracing Series presented by Motobilia.  Sponsored by Fast by Ferracci Racing and Moto Corse Performance, with supporting sponsors NOLA Riding Academy and Larrabure Framing, the race will feature a vast array of today’s most exciting race bikes.

For 2025, the purse again will be split among pro and non-pro racers, giving the dedicated AHRMA racers a chance to participate in the prizes.

 

Pro Payout

  • 1st place $6,000
  • 2nd place $3,600
  • 3rd place $2,400
  • 4th place $1,800
  • 5th place $1,200

 

Non-pro Payout to AHRMA qualified racers

  • 1st place $2,000
  • 2nd place $1,500
  • 3rd place $1,000
  • 4th place $750
  • 5th place $500

 

Riders will elect Pro or Non-Pro status before the race. A Pro rider on an AHRMA waiver cannot elect Non-Pro status, but a Barber Qualified AHRMA racer can elect Pro if they chose to do so.  An AHRMA Non-Pro rider on an AHRMA waiver may elect Non-Pro status pending approval by the race director.

 

Details regarding racer and machine eligibility can be found here: https://www.ahrma.org/fourth-annual-pro-challenge-at-the-barber-vintage-festival/

 

About AHRMA: 

The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to competing on fantastic classic and true vintage along with a wide range of modern motorcycles.  With nearly 3,000 members, AHRMA is the largest vintage racing group in North America and one of the biggest in the world. The association has grown steadily over the years, reflecting the increasing interest in classic bikes.

 

MotoGP: Yamaha Unveil V4-Powered YZR-M1 In Misano

Yamaha V4-powered YZR-M1. Photo courtesy Yamaha Factory Team.

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. unveiled its V4-powered YZR-M1 today in Misano. The presentation of the prototype so early in the 2025 season underlines Yamaha’s bold new approach to bike development. The V4 prototype will be seen in action around the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli this weekend, piloted by Yamaha Factory Racing Test Team’s Augusto Fernández, who enters the Grand Prix of San Marino as a wild card. Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins will also have a chance to ride the new prototype again, this time in public during Monday’s San Marino MotoGP Test.

 

Yamaha V4-powered YZR-M1. Photo courtesy Yamaha Factory Team.
Yamaha V4-powered YZR-M1. Photo courtesy Yamaha Factory Team.

 

The highly anticipated Yamaha V4-powered prototype unveiling event took place today inside the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP hospitality at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli. Yamaha’s management proudly presented the brand-new bike, designed to suit the V4 engine.

The introduction of the prototype at only Round 16 of the MotoGP World Championship reflects Yamaha’s long-term commitment to advancing motorcycle innovation and their new ‘more aggressive approach’ to bike development.

Yamaha Motor Company’s General Manager of Motor Sports Development Division Takahiro Sumi, Yamaha Motor Racing Managing Director Paolo Pavesio, Project Leader Kazuhiro Masuda, and Technical Director Max Bartolinishared their excitement to start this new chapter, discussing Yamaha’s dedication towards the V4 engine and bike development, the new Yamaha structure and mindset in 2025, and the preparations for 2026.

 

Yamaha V4-powered YZR-M1. Photo courtesy Yamaha Factory Team.

Test Rider and Rider Performance Advisor Andrea Dovizioso and Official MotoGP Test Rider for the Yamaha Factory Racing Team Augusto Fernández were also put in the spotlight as major contributors to the V4 project. Through their expertise and precision, the two riders have shown themselves to be a cohesive and highly effective team, providing valuable support to the collaborative efforts of Yamaha’s test riders, engineers, and the full-time MotoGP teams and riders.

The unveiling event included a first view of Fernández’s bike, sporting a full-blue Yamaha corporate livery.

Fernández will be riding the V4-powered prototype as a wild card during the San Marino GP, allowing MotoGP enthusiasts the world over to see the brand-new prototype in action for the very first time.

Fernández, who announced he has recently signed on as an Official Test Rider for Yamaha in 2026-2027, has already ridden the new bike in various private Yamaha tests, one of them held at the Misano track.

 

Yamaha V4-powered YZR-M1 exhaust. Photo courtesy Yamaha Factory Team.

With the upcoming wild-card entry for the Grand Prix of San Marino, Yamaha aims to have Fernández try the prototype bike in a MotoGP race-weekend setting.

The sole purpose of the wild card is data gathering. No bike development decisions will be based on this weekend’s results.

MotoGP media and fans will also be able to get a first glimpse of Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins in action aboard the new bike on Monday 15th during the San Marino MotoGP Test.

Want to see exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of the V4-powered prototype development? Check out Yamaha’s ‘The Blue Shift’ YouTube Series latest episode:

The Blue Shift | Episode 3 – Plan V

 

 

 

TAKAHIRO SUMI – General Manager, Motor Sports Development Division: 

“We have taken on an ambitious project developing a new V4 engine and a whole new bike, and it is particularly demanding when done simultaneously with the 2025 bike development. Such a challenge comes with high stakes and pressure: it’s the type of project that can only be done right when it’s not just a ‘team effort’ but a ‘company effort’, and all involved have to give it 100%.

“From the start of the V4 project there were many questions to be answered, and we are still in the development stage, but one thing is for certain: our goal is to return Yamaha to winning ways with an evidence‑based approach. The V4‑powered prototype reflects one integrated project where Japan and Europe share responsibilities and expertise. Thanks to the hard work of Project Leader Kazuhiro Masuda, Technical Director Max Bartolini, the Yamaha engineers, the Yamaha Factory Racing Test Team, the test riders, the technical partners, and all others who contributed, we are able to take strategic steps and make progress.

“We thank the fans for their never-failing support, and we hope that they will continue to show interest in our journey back to the pinnacle of motorcycle road racing. Exploration is part of Yamaha’s DNA. The V4‑powered prototype opens an additional technical pathway. We will race what proves most competitive.”

 

PAOLO PAVESIO – Managing Director, Yamaha Motor Racing: 

“The development of the V4-powered prototype is the result of a collaborative effort between Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (YMC) in Japan, Yamaha Motor Racing (YMR) in Europe, and a select group of technical partners, alongside the Yamaha Factory Racing Test Team.

“The track will ultimately determine whether we have achieved our goals, but I’m already proud of the challenging spirit we’ve embraced in reshaping how we work: faster, more agile, and more open to leveraging our global assets, both organizationally and technically.

“Within this renewed approach, signing Andrea and Augusto last year was a pivotal moment in bringing Plan V to life. Given its scope, the upcoming 850cc project, and the change in tyre supplier, having two test riders was essential. Their complementary strengths were also a key consideration: Andrea brings a development discipline that aligns perfectly with our pursuit of high-quality feedback. His decades at the top of MotoGP and deep technical expertise make him an invaluable asset. Augusto, meanwhile, has seamlessly complemented Andrea’s work, especially through his contributions in tests and wild-card entries. As a recent full-time MotoGP rider still in peak form, he’s instrumental in pushing the limits of our new V4 engine and prototype bike. These stress tests not only yield critical data but also offer a clear view of our competitive reality.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Cal Crutchlow for his work as a Test Rider over the past years. Although he has not been involved in the V4 project, we remain deeply grateful for his longstanding contributions to Yamaha‘s bike development.

“Looking ahead, we’re thrilled that both Andrea and Augusto have chosen to continue their journey with us into 2026 and 2027, remaining key figures in the evolution of the V4 project. This weekend’s wild-card entry marks an exciting new chapter, one we believe will capture the attention of MotoGP fans.”

 

 

KAZUHIRO MASUDA – Yamaha YZR-M1 Project Leader:

The development of the V4-equipped prototype has progressed according to a structured, phased plan. Thus far, we have completed dyno testing, followed by track correlation, and this weekend we are conducting ‘stress tests’ under real-life GP conditions.

“As for the next steps: this Monday we’ll have the IRTA test with Fabio and Álex, aimed at expanding our data set. We are unable to disclose details regarding private test sessions, but we remain fully committed to the programme and are approaching each phase with the utmost diligence.

“We are applying a comprehensive and disciplined approach, ensuring no aspect is overlooked. At this stage, I’m pleased to report that the progress is in line with our expectations. If all goes well this weekend and on Monday, subsequent steps include further testing at Sepang and Valencia.”

 

 

 

MASSIMO BARTOLINI – Technical Director, Yamaha Factory Racing:

“Our team has designed a coherent package: power delivery, chassis balance, and aerodynamics tuned as a system. This weekend’s focus is not on performance benchmarks, but on operational learning under real-world MotoGP Grand Prix conditions.

“Our key objectives are to validate core assumptions, gather high-quality data, and inform the next phase of iteration. While the long-term ambition remains a competitive V4 platform for the 2026 season, any final commitment will be based on an evaluation of outcomes at the end of the 2025 programme.

“This initiative is a strategic approach to broaden our technical options and accelerate our learning curve to ensure we make the most informed decision for our future in MotoGP racing.”

 

 

 

ANDREA DOVIZIOSO – Test Rider & Riders Performance Advisor:

“Since the very first outing in Malaysia, the project has given me very positive feelings. From the moment I tried the V4-powered prototype, I liked it straight away. With every run the feeling has improved, and I’ve always sensed great potential. Of course, there is still work to be done, but the indications so far are very encouraging. I believe we’ve made excellent progress, and I’m really enjoying this role as a test rider. I’m working very well with the Yamaha engineers, we’re building a strong relationship and gaining a deeper understanding step by step.

“I’m also very pleased with the relationship I have with Augusto. We’re working extremely well together, we share very similar feedback, and it’s both satisfying and enjoyable to collaborate with him. I really look forward to seeing him race on the new bike.”

 

 

 

AUGUSTO FERNÁNDEZ – Yamaha Factory Racing Test Rider:

“I’m really excited to race with the new bike. It’s an honour to be involved in such a big project for Yamaha and to be the first one to race the new bike! It will be a weekend during which we focus on improving our V4-powered prototype and define its strengths and weaknesses whilst riding with the rest of the MotoGP riders, in real time, in a race setting. So, it will be an important weekend – we get to see where we stand – so I’m really excited for this GP and can’t wait to start.”

AFT Heads To Lake Ozark Short Track

Dallas Daniels (32), Trent Lowe (48), Briar Bauman (3), Declan Bender (70), Henry Wiles (911), and Brandon Price (92) race down the front straightaway during the Mission AFT SuperTwins Main Event in Springfield during the Springfield Mile II event. Photo by Tim Lester / courtesy American Flat Track.
Dallas Daniels (32), Trent Lowe (48), Briar Bauman (3), Declan Bender (70), Henry Wiles (911), and Brandon Price (92) race down the front straightaway during the Mission AFT SuperTwins Main Event in Springfield during the Springfield Mile II event. Photo by Tim Lester / courtesy American Flat Track.

The Grand National Championship will be decided when the 2025 Progressive American Flat Track season, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, concludes with the Arby’s Lake Ozark Short Track presented by Arrowhead Brass at Lake Ozark Speedway in Eldon, Missouri on Saturday, September 13. 

And the season finale will once again play out in suitably festive surroundings, serving as a centerpiece of this year’s 19th Annual Lake of the Ozarks BikeFest, an event destined to attract some 125,000 motorcycle enthusiasts to the area from September 10-14. 

 

The Grand. National. Championship. 

Any concerns that Mission AFT SuperTwins would lose a bit of intrigue and drama after ten-time class king Jared Mees rode off into the sunset have not just been proven unfounded but resoundingly so. 

Over the course of an unforgettable ‘25 title fight, Mees’ latter-day foils, Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) and Briar Bauman (No. 3 RWR/Parts Plus/Latus Motors Harley-Davidson XG750R), established their own rivalry which could potentially define the sport for the next decade. 

Their battles have been epic and at times not without controversy or acrimony. Momentum has been seized and reseized. And each has faced down adversity while making their respective bids to assume Mees’ throne this season. 

The tides turned yet again – and in a big way – at the Springfield Mile doubleheader. 

Bauman powered into Springfield on a high following his triumphant performance in Peoria. He left in disappointment, an 11-point advantage transformed into a 13-point deficit. That margin puts his chances for a third Grand National Championship in serious peril, a reality he’s all too aware of. 

However it plays out, Bauman has already done as much this season to cement his legacy as an all-time great as any of his prior campaigns, including the two in which he defeated Mees for the title. 

This season, Bauman and his Rick Ware Racing team took a previously winless Harley-Davidson XG750R and made it a genuine title threat on the strength of seven wins to date. But it goes beyond the numbers – the manner and style in which he’s done it left even the gifted Daniels and the powerhouse Estenson Racing team behind him at times bewildered. 

Perhaps paradoxically, Bauman was never more impressive than he was in Springfield, where he routinely sliced and diced the world’s elite motorcycle flat trackers up through the corners just to cling to contention down the straights. 

However, overpowered on Saturday and luckless on Sunday, Bauman now faces a steep climb to the title this weekend despite his overall brilliance in 2025. 

 

1.56% 

Just how steep? 

If Bauman wins this weekend – and he should be viewed as the favorite considering the desperation of his situation along with his status as the winningest Short Track rider in series history – he’ll end the year with 307 points and a tiebreaking eight wins. 

That would mean Daniels would have to finish seventh or better to accumulate at least 308 points, and along with it, the 2025 Grand National Championship. 

And just how likely is that? 

Consider the following:  

Daniels has participated in 64 Main Events throughout the entirety of his near four-season premier-class career. During that span, he has finished outside the top five just once. That outlier took place during the 2022 Volusia double finale weekend, in which he crashed from fourth and ultimately finished 12th. 

Since that time, the Estenson Racing star has finished fifth or better in 47 consecutive races – 42 of those on the box. 

As has been said many times – by Bauman and many others – it’s not so much Daniels’ speed (which is remarkable) or his talent (which is considerable), but rather his unprecedented consistency that is his greatest attribute as a title fighter. 

One bad day. One bad race. One bad moment. Give Daniels an opportunity, and he’ll make you pay. 

Bauman had a bad day in Springfield. 

However, it’s not over just yet. Pile on the pressure of a lifelong goal, and the chance that the unthinkable happens might increase a percentage point or ten. 

It’s happened before; the racing annals overfloweth with stories of less likely scenarios coming to fruition. 

 

Give The Man His Due 

Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R) has spent the bulk of the season lost in the shadow of the fascinating Daniels/Bauman showdown. 

However, step back and admire another campaign that has only furthered his argument for eventual inclusion in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. 

26 points up on fourth, Robinson has already locked in his fifth Grand National Championship ranking of third or better. He’s also added five more podiums to his career tally, including a long-sought  first win on the Harley-Davidson XG750R he helped usher into the series eight years back. 

While no doubt frustrated after taking a step back from 2024’s title contention, Robinson has quietly penned another strong season in a career that’s gradually elevated him up to some pretty lofty statistical territory. 

 

Lowe Man Wins 

Much has been made – and deservedly so – of Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Progressive Insurance Honda Transalp) scoring Honda’s first twin-cylinder premier-class win of the millennium with his Springfield surprise. 

But perhaps lost in that excitement was just how much his huge weekend transformed his championship standing outlook. 

Prior to Springfield, Lowe was locked in a tight fight for sixth with James Ott (No. 19 G&G Racing Yamaha MT-07), Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Vinson Construction Suzuki GSX-8S), and Max Whale (No. 18 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650). 

Meanwhile, Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing KTM 790 Duke) and Jarod VanDerKooi (No. 20 Fastrack Racing/Wally Brown Racing KTM 790 Duke) still held outside hopes of edging Robinson for third at the time. 

Lowe’s stunning success combined with twin misfortune for Fisher and ‘VDK,’ has painted a very different picture with just one race to go. As it stands, it’s now Lowe who sits fourth with 172 points, followed closely by Fisher (169) and VanDerkooi (167). 

Even before the breakthrough victory, Lowe’s top-five finish at the Lucas Oil Short Track was likely good enough to consider 2025 a positive one of the Big Red SuperTwins program. The victory more than assured that.  
But fourth in the overall standings? That would certainly be something. 

 

Rookie of the Year 

Lowe’s Springfield triumph also handed him a commanding lead in the chase for Mission AFT SuperTwins Rookie of the Year honors. 

Lowe and Ott have gone back and forth in a two-rider tilt all year long, but Lowe’s big win pushed him 18 points out in front with just the finale to go. In other words, it would take a monster result from Ott and utter catastrophe from Lowe to prevent the Honda pilot from being named premier-class Rookie of the Year. 

That said, congratulations to Ott, who has been hugely impressive in his own right. With one race left to shine, the Californian has already racked up four top fives on the G&G Yamaha – highlighted by a pair of podiums – in his first Mission AFT SuperTwins campaign. 

 

It’s Best to Rest Before BikeFest 

There will be no shortage of entertainment options at the 19th Annual Lake of the Ozarks BikeFest in general and the Lake Ozark Short Track in particular.  

Along with the season-ending action on track culminating in the crowing of the 2025 Grand National Champion, fans will be treated to Jumbotron-enhanced viewing, dedicated motorcycle parking, numerous food and beverage options, the Fans Zone – complete with a face painter – and a fireworks display to conclude the evening’s activities. 

 

Your Ticket to the Land of Oz(ark) 

General Admission tickets are just $40 (kids 12 and under free with a paid adult General Admission ticket). Students can get a GA ticket for just $20 ticket at the gate with a student ID, while qualified individuals can take advantage of the Military/First Responder discount to purchase $20 General Admission tickets via the GovX link found on the event ticket pages.  

Reserved Grandstand tickets, which are located along the front stretch of the racetrack with ideal sightlines, are just $50 (all ages). 

H.O.G. members can purchase a H.O.G. Membership Ticket for $30 (all ages), which grants access to both a dedicated parking area and dedicated grandstand seating, along with a meet and greet and photo opportunity with the Harley-Davidson racers and a private infield tour. 

Finally, there’s the Opening Ceremonies Trackside Fan Experience ($99), which includes General Admission seating with full pit pass access, a guided tour of the infield podium and start/finish line, photo opps, and up-close viewing of Opening Ceremonies and the night’s race action. 

Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/lake-ozark-short-track-126438 to purchase your tickets today. 

Gates will open for fans at 3:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. PT) with Opening Ceremonies set to begin at 8:00 p.m. ET (5:00 a.m. PT). 

 

How to Watch 

 

  • FloRacing 

For those that can’t catch the live action from the circuit, FloRacing is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Motorsports fans can subscribe to FloRacing to enjoy over 1,000 live motorsports events in 2025. FloSports is available by visiting https://flosports.link/aft or by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire and Chromecast. 

 

  • FS1 

FOX Sports coverage of the Arby’s Lake Ozark Short Track presented by Arrowhead Brass, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Saturday, September 20, at 11:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. PT). 

For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com. 

Video: Stuman Rides The BMW S 1000 RR Race Bike

In this video, Stuman offers riding impressions of a BMW S 1000 RR Race Bike. He had the opportunity to ride this bike at Thunderhill and was very impressed. The video features some information about the AIM Solo 2 DL lap timer and Smarty Cam setup on the bike.

 

Link to the video: https://youtu.be/QE-tsOdLWz0?si=GV5lg4JPakZ5JiR9

 

Rookies Run Riot: The AFT Singles Rookie Class of ‘25

Kage Tadman (228) takes a victory lap at Ventura Raceway during Round 4. Photo credit: Scott Hunter / courtesy American Flat Track
Kage Tadman (228) takes a victory lap at Ventura Raceway during Round 4. Photo credit: Scott Hunter / courtesy American Flat Track

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.  – The earliest signs that a rookie wave was about to hit the 2025 AFT Singles presented by KICKER class registered as barely more than a ripple.

The Progressive American Flat Track DAYTONA double season opener was meant to serve as a glorified torch-passing ceremony, with three-time reigning class champ Kody Kopp – who was preparing to embark on a roadracing career – slated to hand the reins over to his dueling heir apparents, Tom Drane and Chase Saathoff.

Instead, Kopp used the opportunity to clock a pair of extended victory laps, adding two more wins to his all-time class record before tossing said torch into the dirt for Drane and Saathoff to scrap over in his absence.

Nearly lost to that bright spotlight was the performance of Lucky Thumb M/C’s Ethan Kitchen, who managed to sneak into the bottom of the top ten in his debut weekend.

The wave next hit not just like a tsunami, but one of historic proportions.

Beachside Ventura Raceway served as a scenic backdrop framing the raw brilliance of Kage Tadman, who set the scene alight with a dominant victory in his very first attempt.

Very few riders had managed that in the history of the class. And no one had ever done what he would do days later – repeat the remarkable feat at Silver Dollar Speedway.

In doing so, Tadman set the stage for what has proved to be an unusually impactful rookie class.

Read the complete story and 2025 Singles Rookie breakdown HERE.

UtahSBA: 3-Hour Endurance And King Of The Mountain Showdown

King of the Mountain Race Start. Photo by Crystal Doll.
King of the Mountain Race Start. Photo by Crystal Doll.

2025 has been a record year for the Utah Sport Bike Association’s “Masters of the Mountain” series presented by Utah Motorcycle Law! After 5 exciting rounds it was down to the final event, round 6, that took place September 6th and 7th at Burt Brothers Motorpark in Grantsville, UT. Racers from the Mountain West Region and beyond flocked into Tooele Valley for the Season Finale on the Fun, Fast, and Challenging Perimeter course. While local riders were looking to finish their seasons strong and wrap up their championship battles, many fast and highly competitive out of town racers were trying to get a taste of the hype that has been surrounding the UtahSBA this year. It’s safe to say it didn’t take long for everyone to understand why this series has quickly become the premier race organization and venue for summer motorcycle road racing in the West.

Saturday morning started off as it has all season with all racers qualifying for their grid spots in their respective classes. It was busy on track with nearly 100 riders showing up to race this round. Topping the charts in the first round of qualifying was previous #1 plate holder Brian Childree at a 1:56.5. During the second sessions, 2025 Club Champion Anthony Norton put in a lap of 1:54.6 to leap to the top of the charts and secure pole position with returning racer Genaro Lopez securing the 3rd fastest time at 1:58.0. Saturday sprint racing kicked off immediately following qualifying and the grids were dense which meant you couldn’t take your eyes off the action on track because there were battles from start to finish in every race.

 

Anthony Norton on his pole position qualifying lap. Photo by Martina Velcheva.
Anthony Norton on his pole position qualifying lap. Photo by Martina Velcheva.

 

The Novice middleweights were the first to take the green flag for the weekend in the Vortex Racing Moto2 Novice class. This class has been a battle all season with Dakota Burford, Parker Meyer and Brayden Rocco all chasing Hunter Underhill in a tight championship battle. These Riders gave it their all in the final round with Dakota and Parker putting on a show going back and forth throughout the race doing their part to maximize their points yield. At the stripe, Parker fell .5 short of the win to Dakota followed by Brayden just off the leaders in 3rd and Hunter finishing 4th which was good enough to secure the class championship on the season.

Next on track were the Expert and Novice heavyweight bikes of the stock1000 classes. In the Crossbeam Builders stock1000 expert class fast qualifier Anthony Norton had already wrapped up the class championship but wasn’t letting off the gas just yet. Starting from p3 Lou Soccaccio jumped the start and led Norton and Genaro Lopez into turn 1. Norton would catch the Soccaccio into turn 5 to take the official lead on track and pick up right where he left off in qualifying lapping faster than the field on his way to victory. Lopez made the pass for 2nd shortly after and Justen Behmer out of Colorado would secure the final podium spot after the jump start penalty was given to Soccacio. The real drama happened in the second wave with the Trackstar Racing stock1000 Novices where Damon Schuetze and James Walker were separated by just 1 point in the championship battle. The two locking horns in the race left the door open for Riley Hebert to take his shot at the front. Hebert nailed the start and jumped out to an early lead with Derek Festavan giving chase in second followed by the 2 championship leaders. While Hebert would be uncontested at the front, the 3 behind him never let him get away as the top 4 would be separated by less than 2 seconds at the finish. The finishing order went Hebert, Festavan, and Walker with Schuetze just off the podium in 4th. The Championship title went to James Walker by just 3 points to Damon Schuetze in 2nd both celebrated a remarkably successful season.

 

Riley Hebert celebrates his first UtahSBA win. Photo By Richard Jellerson.
Riley Hebert celebrates his first UtahSBA win. Photo By Richard Jellerson.

 

Saturday’s main event, The “Duel in the Desert” endurance race. It’s been a growing and welcomed race platform reintroduced this year by the UtahSBA. Each round it has gotten bigger and more competitive, this final round was no exception. 20 teams registered accounting for 42 riders in this special 3-hour endurance finale with double points and some season purse money on the line. Championship rivals Precision Fab Racing and Paradigm Racing, competing in Open Team Endurance, a true endurance format, would be head-to-head in a winner take all race for the championship. The two teams would lead the charge in the early laps with Anthony Norton on the Precision Fab ZX10 and Shane Turpin on the Paradigm Racing R6. Norton extended a near 40 second lead at the end of his stent before handing the bike off to teammate Kreece Elliot. Turpin adopted the lead during the Precision Fab pitstop before coming to pitlane himself and handing the reigns to teammate Lee Callans. Elliot stretched the lead to nearly 2 laps by the end of his stent then giving Kohl Burmester the reigns of the Precision Fab steed. Then it was Alex Zinaich’s turn on the paradigm machine who began to chip away at the leaders. Burmester finished his stent 1lap+ ahead as the team made their only Dunlop tire change of the race and Elliot got back on track for his second stent. At this point both teams would need to make at least 1 more fuel stop. After all the strategies played out and in the final minutes, it was Shane Turpin keeping pace with Anthony Norton on track, but 2 laps down and running out of time. Precision Fab Racing would take the win, and with it, the Racers Edge Dunlop Team Endurance Championship!

 

Kreece Elliott piloting the Precison Fab Machinery Race Team Endurance Bike in the 3-hour endurance. Photo by Crystall Doll.
Kreece Elliott piloting the Precison Fab Machinery Race Team Endurance Bike in the 3-hour endurance. Photo by Crystall Doll.

 

True Endurance podium(left to right) p3 The Weekend Garage, p1 Precision Fab Racing, p2 Paradigm Racing. Photo by Crystal Doll.
True Endurance podium(left to right) p3 The Weekend Garage, p1 Precision Fab Racing, p2 Paradigm Racing. Photo by Crystal Doll.

 

In the Hardline Excavation/Defcon Motorsports Ironman Endurance class, the main protagonists on the season have been Richard Findlay and Robert Jojola and they were at it again. With a championship still left undecided these warriors gave it their all for 3 straight hours. “Jojo” only stopping once for fuel would take the win in the final round. Findlay was fighting mechanical issues with his machine being stuck in 6th gear for the majority of the race but would not give up as he came into this round leading the class championship. The spirit of these Ironman endurance racers is next level. Findlay would reach the end of 3 hours in 2nd place, good enough to secure the season Ironman Championship.

 

Robert Jojola winning Ironman class in 3-hour endurance race. Photo by Richard Jellerson.
Robert Jojola winning Ironman class in 3-hour endurance race. Photo by Richard Jellerson.

 

The 3rd and final endurance class was the most contested class of round 6 with many out-of-town riders joining in the Apex Assassins Relay Endurance class. Racers, each racing their own bikes passing a transponder like a baton relay style. The Championship leading team “Formula 55” has been steadily running upfront all season and just 3 hours away from securing a championship of their own. Formula 55 Team members David Meyer, Jim Jackson, and Randy Alfano would run consistent for the entire race sticking to their plan and fight off the barrage of competitors to come out on top for their season efforts.

 

Relay Team Formula 55’s David Meyer and Randy Alfano swapping transponders during 3-hour relay endurance. Photo by Richard Jellerson.
Relay Team Formula 55’s David Meyer and Randy Alfano swapping transponders during 3-hour relay endurance. Photo by Richard Jellerson.

 

The club ended the day with podium celebrations for Saturday’s sprint and endurance races while providing some amazing BBQ for the paddock. The on-track battles while ferocious in spirit don’t outweigh the off-track comradery shared when the track goes cold. But there was still a full day of racing scheduled for Sunday and racers were every bit ready to duke it out the next morning.

Sunday morning the weather was a bit breezy but otherwise perfect to get the day started. The premier race of the weekend as always is the “King of the Mountain” race where all the fastest riders grid up for the glory and a shot of the Burt Brothers sponsored purse money. A whopping 30 riders took to the grid just after lunch, all stacked behind pole sitter and reigning KOM champion Anthony Norton. When the lights went out it was a mad dash into turn 1 with bikes bouncing off each other mid pack and somehow all making through turn 1. Into turn 1 it was Brian Childree and Kreece Elliott fighting for position with Childree getting the upper hand and the holeshot. Following the top two were Justen Behmer, Lou Saccoccio and then Anthony Norton in 5th looking to recover from terrible start. Norton quickly slotted into 4th and the top 4 started to break away, mostly 2 and 3 wide with one another of the first lap. Lap 1 ended with Childree leading Elliott, then Norton having taken 3rd away from 4th place Justen Behmer. Lap 2, turn 2, Norton shoved his way through his endurance teammate Elliot for 2nd and set his sights on the leader. Just a few corners later Norton pulled the trigger on the lead passing Childree into turn 5 and never looked back. Childree lapped closely behind for a few laps before Norton began to inch away on his way to Victory. The battle for the final podium spot never stopped with Behmer fighting for the pass on Elliott but at the checkered flag it was Kreece Elliott taking home the final podium spot and a nice paycheck for his efforts.

 

Burt Brothers King of the mountain Podium, P1 Anthony Norton, P2 Brian Childree, P3 Kreece Elliott. Photo By Richard Jellerson.
Burt Brothers King of the mountain Podium, P1 Anthony Norton, P2 Brian Childree, P3 Kreece Elliott. Photo By Richard Jellerson.

 

Race winner and Champion Anthony Norton had this to say post-race… “That was a blast! Rad to have some fast visitors this weekend. Battling through the top 3 in the opening laps was controlled chaos and a lot of fun. Pleasure to race with them (Childree, Elliott, Behmer). It’s been one heck of a season and I’m super proud of my whole team for their racing efforts and the support they give me. Special thanks to Dale with Racers Edge Dunlop helping me to win our 3rd straight #1 plate. Couldn’t do any of this without my friends and sponsors at Precision Fab Machinery, Legal Ride NV, Apex Assassins, and Crossbeam Builders. Also thankful for Burt Brothers Tire and Service who supports this class and the club making racing more achievable and more rewarding as well with some generous purse money.”

 

Anthony Norton with his signature “Stoppie” celebration after winning King of the Mountain Race. Photo By Crystal Doll.
Anthony Norton with his signature “Stoppie” celebration after winning King of the Mountain Race. Photo By Crystal Doll.

 

The Young Powersports Lightweight Superbike class is a collective of bikes and combined class consisting of expert and novice racers. The class races both days and the Saturday race was quite a show. Josh Lerner would take the win with a significant lead in race 1 aboard his Kramer but the next 4 riders would battle throughout the race. Championship Contender Martina Velcheva would lead this group in 2nd early on with Scott Christensen and Dustin Lance not letting her off easy, all 3 riding the new ZX4RR. Sean Groenstein was also in the fight for the podium. The 4 would exchange spots countless times but Christensen would begin to sneak away in 2nd, followed by the sweet sound and smell of the 2-stroke NSR machine piloted by Groenstein in 3rd. Lance would finish 4th and Velcheva brought her machine across the line in 5th. Race 2 on Sunday was all about the top 2 title contenders, Kyle Kacprzynski and Martina Velcheva. Martina had to win and hope that some riders could put themselves between her and Kyle for her shot at the Title. Martina did her job running away with a commanding lead and winning this battle, but Kyle would be the next bike across the line winning the war and the Championship. Great season for both Riders.

 

Martina Velcheva (509) leading Dustin Lance (327) and Sean Groenstein (110) in lightweight sbk race. Photo by Crystall Doll.
Martina Velcheva (509) leading Dustin Lance (327) and Sean Groenstein (110) in lightweight sbk race. Photo by Crystall Doll.

 

The final Race of the weekend and the sadly the season was the “run what you brung” Deseret Dash. Experts and Novices both race in this class but are scored separately. Winning the final Mountain Motor Club Open Deseret Dash Expert race was Justen Behmer on his Zx10R and the Redline Realty Novice class winner would be Landon Richey with his Ducati V4 machine. A fun race to put a stamp on the 2025 UtahSBA season.

Club President Brian Childree gave his final thoughts on a very successful season stating: “What an incredible way to close out the season! Round 6 delivered our biggest turnout yet. Racers hitting 180mph down the full straight, more than 20 teams competing in our 3-hour endurance, and close battles across every class. We were proud to welcome riders from Arizona, California, Nevada, Idaho, Montana, Colorado, Utah of course, even Mexico and Canada. All came here to compete head-to-head with Utah’s best. I couldn’t be prouder of what our club has built this year. Our Board members, volunteers, track staff, and of course the racers, poured their energy and passion into making this season a success and thanks to them we have set a new standard. We’re already looking ahead to 2026 and the ways we can make this series even better.”

This was the final round of superbike racing for the UtahSBA, not just for this season, but the club is rebranding and reaffirming the mission to make this series the premier destination for Roadracing in the western United States. More details to come on what’s next for the club but we’re sure you’ll want to be a part of what’s in store for 2026. Their last event for 2025 is the annual awards banquet which will be held October 18th at the Ken Garff University Club in Salt Lake City, UT. All those having business with this season or next including Racers, Family, Sponsors and more are encouraged to attend. Buy your tickets through Motorsportreg.com or visit Utahsba.com for more details including full season results and championship standings.

 

USBA 2025 Round 6 RRW

MotoAmerica Previews This Weekend’s Circuit Of The Americas Round

The top four in the 2025 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship - Bobby Fong (50), Cameron Beaubier (6), Josh Herrin (1) and Jake Gagne (32) - take the fight to Circuit of The Americas this weekend in Texas. Photo by Brian J. Nelson

The 2025 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship is reaching what promises to be a fever-pitched conclusion as the series heads to the penultimate round at Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas, this weekend, with three riders within striking distance of earning the coveted Superbike crown.

The three men still in the fight are Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing’s Bobby Fong, Tytlers Cycle Racing’s Cameron Beaubier, and Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati’s Josh Herrin.

Fong leads Beaubier by 17 points, with near-season-long points leader Herrin now on the outside looking in at 27 points behind. However, there are 125 points still on the board, with 50 of them up for grabs this weekend in Texas and 75 points more awaiting the pack with a tripleheader finale slated for New Jersey Motorsports Park, September 26-28.

So how did they get to this point?

Fong is atop the point standings because he has been on a heater for the past seven races, with five wins in a row, a second, and a third vaulting him to where he is now. At the top. Fong won race one at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course to take his streak to five, but his third-place finish in race two put an end to that.

It was Beaubier who snapped the streak with the five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion winning race two at Mid-Ohio in a record-breaking performance for the Californian. The win was Beaubier’s 90th career victory across all AMA road race classes, moving him out of a tie with Josh Hayes and making him the all-time leader in that category. It also ended a drought of 10 races without a victory for Beaubier, dating back to May and round two at Road Atlanta.

Of Beaubier’s 90 wins, 69 of them have come in the Superbike class.

If the most recent round at Mid-Ohio was a big one for Fong and Beaubier for different reasons, it was a disastrous one for Herrin.

It began with qualifying with the defending MotoAmerica Superbike Champion missing out on a front-row start for the first time this season. Herrin’s time was a tick over a second slower than Beaubier’s pole-winning lap time.

Things got worse in the two races with Herrin ending up seventh in race one after his Mid-Ohio meltdown started with him not wanting the race to start because of the oil-dry that was used in the right-hander at the end of the backstraight. The race went on, however, with Herrin almost crashing in the same corner. By the time he regained his composure, he was well back and had to fight his way up to seventh by the end of the 16-lap race.

On Sunday, things got even worse for Herrin. After he and Fong bumped on the seventh lap, both went off track. Herrin, however, got the worst of it. While Fong was able to rejoin quickly, and ultimately finished third, Herrin tipped over at low speed when he ran out of real estate and hit the air fence. By the time he got going again, Herrin was well down the order. Then, to make matters worse, he ended up crashing out of the race and suffered a right-leg injury.

Herrin’s horrible three-race stretch (he also crashed out of the lead in race two at VIR) translated to just 11 points while Fong scored 66 points and Beaubier tallied 49 points in the same three-race span.

Thus, the standings heading into COTA are Fong (278), Beaubier (261) and Herrin (251).

The best of the rest heading into the 16th and 17th races of the season has been Fong’s Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing teammate Jake Gagne. Gagne and Fong are the only two riders in the top five who have scored points in all 15 races, and that consistency sees Gagne a comfortable fourth in the championship with one win and seven total podiums, including his second-place finish behind Beaubier in race two at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

Vision Wheel M4 Suzuki’s Richie Escalante is fifth in the standings. Escalante has two podiums in 2025 and has scored points in 14 of the 15 races. He will be fighting the rest of the way to keep his teammate Sean Dylan Kelly behind him in the title chase. The two are separated by just 15 points heading to COTA, the site of Kelly’s first-career Superbike win a year ago and one of Escalante’s favorite tracks on the calendar.

Lurking behind those two is Real Steel Honda’s JD Beach, the runaway leader of the Superbike Cup for those competing in the Superbike class on Stock 1000-spec motorcycles. Beach is just three points behind Kelly with the Kentuckian hot off a third-place Superbike finish in race one at Mid-Ohio.

Hayden Gillim is eighth, 19 points behind his Real Steel Honda teammate Beach and 36 points clear of BPR Yamaha Racing’s Bryce Kornbau.

Aftercare Scheibe Racing’s Danilo Lewis rounds out the top 10 in the championship point standings heading into the Texas round.

Pre-COTA Notes…

Last year’s Superbike round at Circuit of The Americas consisted of three Superbike races, with one on Saturday and two on Sunday. The big winner of the three was Cameron Beaubier with the five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion winning race one and three and finishing second in race two to Sean Dylan Kelly. On Saturday, Beaubier topped Josh Herrin and Richie Escalante in race one. In race two on Sunday, Kelly took the win with Beaubier second and Herrin third. Sunday’s finale was won by Beaubier over Herrin and Kelly.

Cameron Beaubier earned pole position for the three Superbike races with his lap-record-breaking 2:06.559 besting Josh Herrin and Loris Baz. Beaubier was the only rider to get into the 2:06s. Row two consisted of Sean Dylan Kelly, Richie Escalante, and Xavi Forés.

Of the 15 MotoAmerica Superbike races held at COTA, non-Americans have won nine of them. The all-time win leader at COTA is Toni Elias, the now-retired Spaniard winning six races in Texas. The riders with the second most victories at COTA are Danilo Petrucci, with the Italian winning both races in 2022; Josh Herrin, who won a race in 2019 and won race two in 2023; and Cameron Beaubier, who won two of the three races last year. The third foreigner to win at COTA is Mathew Scholtz with the South African winning race one in 2018 for Westby Racing.

Suzuki is the manufacturer with the most MotoAmerica Superbike wins at COTA with seven. Yamaha has four victories in Austin with Josh Herrin giving Ducati its third win in Texas in 2023. BMW won all three races last year with Cameron Beaubier (two) and Sean Dylan Kelly (one).

With Cameron Beaubier finally winning his 90th AMA race at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course a few weeks ago, the victory brought his Superbike win total to 69. It wasn’t long ago that Mat Mladin’s Superbike win tally of 82 seemed to be out of reach. Beaubier, however, is now just 13 wins away from tying the Australian at the top of the all-time AMA Superbike win list.

About MotoAmerica

MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Stock 1000, Twins Cup, Talent Cup, Super Hooligan National Championship, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey; ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland; motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges; and businessman Richard Varner. For more information, please visit www.MotoAmerica.com, and MotoAmerica’s social platforms on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube. To watch all things MotoAmerica, subscribe to MotoAmerica’s live streaming and video on-demand service, MotoAmerica Live+

BSB Sportbike: American Gus Rodio Debuts at Donington Park

Gus Rodio in action at Donington Park. Photo credit: Ian Hopgood Photography.
Gus Rodio in action in the SportBike class at Donington Park. Photo credit: Ian Hopgood Photography.
What a weekend it’s been! Our first outing as luxeStar VIP Suzuki in the SportBike class at the British Super Bikes Championship was nothing short of exhilarating. From torrential rain to record-breaking laps, the debut was packed with challenges, triumphs, and unforgettable moments.
 
A Wet Welcome at Donington Park
 
We rolled into Donington Park on Thursday under a sky that seemed determined to drown our spirits. The forecast was grim, but thankfully, the weather held off for most of the weekend, allowing us to focus on what really mattered—racing.
 
Gus Rodio Takes on the Challenge
 
Our rider, Gus Rodio, flew in from the United States accompanied by his father Kevin Rodio and mechanic Rich Marshall, ready to tackle a weekend of firsts:
  • First time racing at Donington Park
  • First time riding the Suzuki GSX-8R
  • First time on Pirelli tyres
 
That’s a mountain of new experiences to climb, especially in the ultra-competitive National SportBike class, where every rider is fast and fearless.
 
Rising to the Occasion
 
Despite the steep learning curve, Gus adapted quickly. His feedback was sharp, his pace improved with every session, and his determination was palpable. He finished the race in 12th place—but here’s the kicker: his fastest lap came on the final lap of the race, and it was the fastest lap of the entire field. Had the race gone on for just five more laps, Gus would likely have overtaken several riders ahead of him. That’s how strong his pace was.
 
 
Rodio on the grid before his first race in the SportBike class at Donington Park. Photo credit: Ian Hopgood Photography.
Rodio on the grid before his first race in the SportBike class at Donington Park. Photo credit: Ian Hopgood Photography.
 
Back to the States—For Now
 
As we write this, Gus is boarding a flight back to the U.S. to continue his campaign in the MotoAmerica Series. But we’re already looking ahead to his return at Brands Hatch in mid-October. He’s raced there before, and now that he’s dialed in with the Suzuki, we’re optimistic about what’s to come.
 
A Huge Thank You
 
This weekend wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support from our team and partners:
Mats Petersson for providing the bike and infrastructure
John Thornley for his top-tier mechanical expertise
Scott Rehl of luxeStar VIP for unwavering support
Holly the Brolly – Holly Harris – a great racer in her own right.
BigMoto, Classic Team Suzuki, Team GB Racing, HEL Performance, EBC, Envy Racing Apparel and other product suppliers joining us for future rounds
Your contributions have been invaluable.
 
Spotlight on Asher Durham
 
Another standout performance came from Asher Durham, also supported by luxeStar VIP and racing for the PowerSlide Suzuki Team. Asher battled fiercely with the leading group and clinched a well-earned 2nd place finish, propelling him to 2nd in the championship standings. We’re proud to play even a small part in his success.
 
Looking Ahead
 
This is just the beginning for Luxar VIP Suzuki Racing. With talent like Gus and Asher, and a passionate team behind them, the future looks fast and bright. We’re fired up for the next round and can’t wait to see what unfolds at Brands Hatch.
Until then—keep the throttle open and the passion alive.
 
 
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